The Lionel Sandy Andy gravel loader in action

Hal Miller with Lionel sandy andy gravel loader

The Lionel Sandy Andy Automatic Gravel Loader was one of a kind. This 1970s accessory didn’t last very long in the catalog and there might be a few reasons why. On the other hand, it’s an exceptionally engineered product in certain ways and takes full advantage of physics! It’s all plastic and free of batteries […]

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Lionel’s no. 700E scale Hudson locomotive

Model of black steam locomotive

The latest video by Roger Carp, senior editor at Classic Toy Trains magazine, focuses on one of the greatest and most celebrated toy trains ever produced in America. In anticipation of the release of Lionel Trains of the 1940s, the new special-interest publication from CTT, Professor Carp looks closely at the Lionel no. 700E O […]

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Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader

Man at a desk with toy train accessory

Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader In 1948, Lionel introduced a new coal loader that needed just one track and a dump car to run. Senior Editor Roger Carp explains the history of this coal loader, what was included in the box with your purchase, and how it changed over the years. He explains what makes […]

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Lionel’s no. 6417 porthole caboose

Roger Carp with two variations of a Lionel N5c caboose.

Lionel’s model of the Pennsylvania RR’s N5c caboose has been a favorite since it was first added to the catalog in the 1950s. CTT’s Professor Carp details the history of these toy train stalwarts, shows some of the other roadnames and colors in which it was produced, and explains why one variation is worth far […]

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Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

Roger Carp with Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

The year 1952 was a spectacular one for Lionel operating toy train accessories. An enduring favorite to come out of it was the no. 362 barrel loader. Professor Carp gives the history of the item and discusses changes and variations, while Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller looks at how it operates. You can get […]

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Toy Trains for the Holidays

Kent Johnson and David Popp on layout

What do you get if you combine the talents of Classic Toy Trains magazine and MR Video Plus? The City Terminal & Transfer Ry., an all-new project series coming to MRVP! In this preview video, hosts Kent Johnson and David Popp give you a glimpse of our exciting new 5 x 9 foot, 3-rail O […]

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