The largest and most elaborate passenger cars that Lionel ever made were the Standard Gauge "State" cars beginning in 1929. These cars are about 22" long and very well proportioned. Though I never thought I'd have them (the Ives cars and the Blue Comet cars are plenty big enough), the Standard Gauge bug bit hard and an opportunity presented itself to get them at a very reasonable price so I couldn't resist. These State cars are reproductions (as is all of my Standard Gauge) that were made by MTH in 1998. I have them being pulled by my gunmetal #400E steamer until I can get the appropriate green locomotive. Here are photos (click on the photos to enlarge); a video will be forthcoming. The first photo shows the California coach car.
The second photo is a close-up.
The next photo shows how the roof is hinged to open to show off the detailed interior.
The next photo shows the interior seating.
The next photo shows the rest room at one end of the car; note the operating hinged door.
Here's the rest room at the other end of the car. The toilets have seats that can be raised and lowered!
The next photo shows the solarium car Maryland. This is a new car that MTH created and was not part of the original sets of the late 1920s and 1930s.
The next photo shows the coach car Colorado.
Here's the last car, the observation car New York.
I've spoken in the past about how scale really isn't a factor when discussing Standard Gauge toy trains. The next two photos should speak volumes about that. Both cars are Standard Gauge, both cars run on the same track. The rest, well, let the photos speak for themselves. LOL
The red car is from one of the Standard Gauge Christmas starter sets. The comparison between the sizes of the cars should explain why I laugh when someone asks about the scale of Standard Gauge!
And, as I say, a video of these four cars being pulled by a Lionel #400E steamer will be forthcoming.