Dodgers Blue Heaven: Riding the Rails with a Dodgers Boxcar

Friday, March 11, 2016

Riding the Rails with a Dodgers Boxcar

Choo-Choo!

I love trains. So, when I found out a buddy of mine was given his father's entire collection of model trains I went bonkers. I immediately demanded he set it up around his house. Then, gleefully took over the controls like I was Casey Jones. This past summer he set up that train set all over his backyard, and we spent the afternoon riding the rails; while directing his wife to grab us some beers.

That was a good time... And yeah, I feel no shame for my childlike behavior. It was a blast, after all... And dammit! When you're middle aged it's okay to live like a child from time to time.

So, when I got word of the item I'm featuring in this post I knew I had to share it. Lionel, the leading maker of toy and model trains, will be producing made-to-order MLB Spring Training boxcars, and eight different teams are available:

Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees

For now, you can only get them via pre-order, and only from Lionel dealers. Go here to find one near you. MSRP is $84.99 each, but I've seen lower prices online. (Here's one seller called The Train Shop) From what I understand, they will be shipped out in April, and they are only being made to-order. Per a press release:

The new MLB™ Spring Training boxcars are perfect for the baseball fanatic or train enthusiast. These boxcars are Made in the USA of US and Imported Parts, and feature die-cast metal sprung trucks and operating couplers. The Spring Training boxcars will run on a traditional O Gauge track, and are the perfect addition to any layout or man cave.