Trainz has purchased the inventory of screws, bolts, springs, rivets, and fasteners from L&L Model Train Restoration Co. (Len Carparelli). The business, known as the Ted Nyerges Bolt & Screw Company, offers a line of fasteners for postwar Lionel trains. Trainz plans to increase the availability of screws, fasteners and other small parts at Trainz.com. […]
ManuFacturer: American Flyer
Display layouts and showrooms
Also in this issue: Showroom out west Rare Lionel photos from 1940 take us inside First decade at the Gilbert Hall of Science The company thrilled New York City in the 1940s Tribute to a forgotten showroom display Where Lionel ran accessories in 1945 Lionel builds a hub for the Midwest The Chicago showroom handled […]
Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layout
Name: Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layoutDimensions: 10½ x 11 feetTrack: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 31 to 60 inches)Motive power:Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH Electric Trains, Ready Made Trains, WilliamsRolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, Menards, MTH, Ready Made Trains, WilliamsControls: MRC transformers (2)Accessories: K-Line, Lionel, MarxStructures: Bachmann, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Plasticville U.S.A., scratchbuiltVehicles: American Heritage Models, […]
Buying used model trains on social media
There’s a robust market for secondhand model railroad products today. Hobby shops, online auction websites, and swap meets are a few of the typical places you can find used locomotives, freight cars, and structures, among other items. In recent years, sellers have taken to non-hobby channels for secondhand trains, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. […]
Celebrating “Flyer Fest”
Editor’s note: This manuscript was purchased in December 1990 for Model Railroader magazine. Over the years, it made its way around the office and finally landed in my hands last fall. Dave Ingles was a friend of mine, and with his passing and my becoming editor of CTT, it seemed fitting to finally share his […]
The American Flyer Freedom Train
The concept of an American Freedom Train arose after WWII. It was a chance for Americans to reflect on their citizenship at a time when the United States was finding new roles in world affairs. The project was funded by donations and not at government expense. The American Heritage Foundation was created in 1947 to […]
Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout
Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches)Switches: Gilbert American FlyerMotive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American FlyerControls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformerAccessories: Gilbert American Flyer, MarxStructures: Atlas O, Plasticville U.S.A., Wm. K. Walthers Figures: Barclay, Ertl […]
Gary Wronkiewicz’s American Flyer layout
At a glance Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches) Switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American Flyer Controls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformer Accessories: Gilbert American Flyer, Marx Structures: Atlas O, Plasticville U.S.A., Wm. K. Walthers Figures: Barclay, Ertl See more […]
Gary Wronkiewicz’s American Flyer layout
At a glance Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches) Switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American Flyer Controls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformer Accessories: Gilbert American Flyer, Marx Structures: Atlas O, […]
Classic Toy Trains new products May 2024
Locomotives & rolling stock MTH has a series of Christmas items as part of their RailKing line. Available items include an O gauge Railing Alco PA A unit diesel (30-21253, $399.95, shown), an ES44AC Imperial diesel engine (30-21238, $399.95), a 4-car double-door plugged boxcar set (30-70131, $349.95), and much more. Delivery expected in October 2024. […]
Three rumors from the TCA Eastern Division York show
While working the recent TCA Eastern Division York show, Roger Carp and I heard three rumors about the magazine. We’d like to share the questions–and answers–here. Classic Toy Trains is no longer printing issues Yes, we are still printing issues on a quarterly schedule. We also offer digital issues. If you’re a print subscriber, nothing […]
Jack Hedge’s O gauge layout
Please note: Due to a technical glitch in our software, the camera angles for this track plan did not appear in the Spring 2024 issue. We’re sharing that image here. We apologize for the omission. – Ed. Name: Jack Hedge’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 23 x 24 feet Track: GarGraves (diameters range from 72” to […]