PDFs to help you get started

In this section we’ve listed the specific downloadable article collections that are especially helpful to newcomers to the toy train hobby. Along with the articles in this section and the free booklet, these PDFs can demystify the process of building your home railroad. Just click on the cover of the collection to be taken to our catalog.

ESSENTIAL CLASSIC TOY TRAINS ARTICLES

56 pages packed with information. From how to pick your power pack, to guide to O gauge track brands, to scenery tips, this downloadable PDF is a bible of tips for the beginning toy train modeler.

BASIC TOY TRAIN TRACK PLANS

-Pop’s action-packed layout based on a Lionel classic
-4 x 8-foot two-train layout
-L-shaped layout with lots of operational features
-High speed in 6 x 12 feet
-Layout that fits in a corner
-3 distinct routes in a 6 x 8-foot space
-Look ma, no switches! An 8 x 13 spiral design
-Train set to layout in O-27

BASIC TOY TRAIN TRACK PLANS VOL. 2

-9 x 12-foot RealTrax plan
-4 routes on an O-31 plan
-1940s plan in FasTrack
-Run trains while you build
-Wild West in a 5 x 9-foot space
-Small, simple, sensible 5 x 9-foot plan
-Walk-in, standout plan

TOY TRAIN SCENERY

-Build a “hidden corner”
-Add a gorge to your layout
-Making an elevated line
-4 steps to better-looking track
-Compact & changeable
-Build a mountain & tunnel
-How to expand your horizons
-11 steps for ceiling tile scenery

INSPIRING SMALL LAYOUTS VOL. 1

-Accessories star on 4 x 8 layout
-Lots of fun in a small space
-Super O, super action
-Prewar tinplate O gauge RR
-Small room, Standard gauge fun
-Apartment layout, big train action
-5 x 9 feet of beautiful
-Military man’s moveable plan

TRANSFORMERS AND WIRING

-All about wires
-Build a control panel
-Picking your power pack
-Troubleshooting your “bad wires”
-Postwar power basics

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE OF LIONEL LOCOMOTIVES

-“A-B-C” of motor wiring
-Repair Lionel universal motors
-Repair Lionel’s whistles
-Repair Lionel diesel horns
-Repair Lionel’s smoke units
-Repair pickup rollers shoes
-Bring back Big Berk (Parts 1&2)
-Rip van Hudson

HOLIDAYS AND TOY TRAINS

-Perfect Christmas layout
-Family-friendly layout
-Make a Christmas train
-Multi-level Christmas tree layout
-Enjoy trains at the holidays
-3 ways to let it snow
-The Flynn’s display layout
-Christmas in Model Builder magazine