Though its history is tied to track, the product line for Atlas Model Railroad Co. has grown and diversified from Z to O scale. General Manager Matt Moceikis and Sale Manager Ross Medine joined Model Railroader and Classic Toy Trains editors Eric White and Rene Schweitzer to discuss what’s in store for the future of […]
In an email sent to Classic Toy Trains, Menards announced a milestone. The manufacturer has produced 100 different O gauge structures. The prebuilt structures have included a wide variety of types, from downtown buildings to industries and automotive-related stations and garages. Most structures include plug-and-play lighting and are scenicked. To see Menards’ current line of […]
Command control systems allow more ways than ever to operate your toy train today, and if you’re new (or you’ve been away from the hobby), choosing a system might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s review the choices, along with their pros and cons. Conventional “Conventional” operation means you use a transformer […]
The Atlas O Winter 2026 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include new paint schemes for: Locomotives 2-8-0 Features: Proto-Sound 3.0, real coal load, die-cast metal boiler, O-36 operation Roadnames: Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range; East Tennesee and Western North Carolina, Lake Superior and Ishpeming; Nickel Plate; Wabash; U.S. Army; Canadian […]
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” At least, that was my thought process when I received this MTH Premier Norfolk & Western 18-inch, full-length dome car. Though a beautiful model from 2004, it came with older, 18V lamp bulbs. Initial track power testing immediately revealed several issues: Lights only turning on in the lower […]
Trainz.com has purchased the inventory of Rail Yard Hobby Shop of Roanoke, Va. In a press release from Trainz Senior Marketing Analyst Kevin Griffis, “This acquisition expands our model train offerings and the parts to maintain them.” Rail Yard Hobby Shop’s owner Jim Molinary retired in November 2025, according to an article posted by Fox […]
The headliner of the spring 2023 Atlas catalog was the SD70MAC, a classic six-axle diesel electric locomotive. The SD70MAC was produced by General Motor’s Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in the 1990s. The SD70MAC was part of the transition from DC to AC traction motors. These AC powered locomotives would prove to be more efficient while in […]
Lionel Trains has released its 2026 catalog. The 172-page catalog includes new items from the VisionLine, Legacy, LionChief, Harry Potter, and Battery O lines. Highlights include a number of semiquincentennial locomotives and rolling stock, including a 4-4-0 brass hybrid steam locomotive (No. 2631620), a Legacy T1 American Freedom Train in two versions (Nos. 2631430 and […]
Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]
It’s my pleasure to tell you, our devoted readers of Classic Toy Trains, about our brand-new colorful and informative 100-page special-interest publication: Great Layouts You Can Visit! Packed with photos and filled with stories and details, it offers toy train enthusiasts of every age, background, and level of interest and experience something enjoyable and useful. […]
Scale: O (1:48) Price: $29.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas O 1973 Ford F-100 truck features: 1:48-proportion model Chrome plated grill and rear bumper Clear headlight lenses and window glazing Detailed interior with dashboard, bench seat, and steering wheel Molded exhaust system and spare tire […]
Like Robert Frost once wrote, good fences may make for good neighbors. I’ve learned that good fences also make for great models. With a little thought, fences can define and separate scenes and add considerable detail to your layout. While there is a wide variety of interesting fencing available today, the old board fence is […]
