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Dave Baule’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 11 x 25 feet Track and switches: American S Gauge (diameters range from 38 to 76 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, American S Gauge, Downs, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Controls: Gilbert American Flyer Nos. 16B and […]
Bob and Diane Zwieg’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 13 feet Track and switches: K-Line, Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Controls: Lionel, Model Rectifier transformers with Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Accessories: Department 56, Lemax, Lionel […]
Lionel’s No. 7-12124 Battery-Powered Harry Potter Train Set is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the wonderful hobby of toy trains. How do I know this? Because I used this exciting and entertaining passenger set to introduce my two young grandsons (ages 6 and 4 years) to operating electric trains. Believe me when I […]
If your industrial park or big city needs a power boost, Menards has you covered with a three pack of electrical towers. While doing research, I learned that the industry term for this item is a transmission tower, at least in the United States. The towers are usually made from steel, and support overhead power […]
Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 The benefits of club membership YOUR LETTERS, pg. 6 YOUR PHOTOS, pg. 8 NEWS & REVIEWS, pg. 12 Trainz acquires Lionel parts; LCCA founder turns 90; new Atlas items, Menards freight cars, and more QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, pg. 18 Cleaning postwar rolling stock, converting MTH diesel to […]
“Dead Rail” or “Power on Board” — no matter what you call it, the concept is the same: a model locomotive that carries its own power source. This eliminates the need for alternating or direct current track power, along with multiple headaches such as short circuiting, dead frogs, and dirty rails. Rechargeable batteries have become […]
The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) announces a Lionel custom-run train set for their members. The set includes an FT A unit diesel locomotive, Crocker coach car, Phelps dome car, and a Hopkins observation car, all decorated in Southern Pacific “black widow” paint scheme. The locomotive features Bluetooth, Lionel Voice Control, Voice Streaming and […]
What do I collect? I collect original prewar trains in Standard and Wide Gauge, i.e. 2 1/8”. Lionel created the gauge in 1906, and called their trains the “Standard of the World.” Soon, Standard gauge caught on as a label, possibly to differentiate from other gauges at the time. When the Ives Toy Co. modified […]
It was a sad day when those 1950s E7, E8, and assorted FP units reached the point where they were clearly reaching the end of their operational life. Their long car bodies and gentle curved noses symbolized North American passenger train travel. Both EMD and General Electric offered replacement models with varied results. The best […]
Milwaukee and model railroading share deep, historic ties. Model Railroader Magazine, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., and the National Model Railroad Association all had their humble beginnings in the beer city. This rich heritage has fostered a healthy and diverse group of model railroad clubs throughout Southeast Wisconsin that are still active today. Finding these clubs […]
In the December 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains, then-Editor Neil Besougloff presented his design for a “three times around the tree” layout. It has since become a favorite with many readers and has inspired several holiday layouts. We’re presenting Neil’s original plan, featuring Lionel O-42 tubular track curves, a tunnel, and a 45-degree crossing. […]
Locomotives & rolling stock Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205, has an Operating Log Dump Car as part of the Premier line. The car includes an operating dump mechanism, a load of logs, and O-31 operation (3001968 shown). Requires one piece of No. 6097 Accessory Rails track for operation (not […]
