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 […]
Section: Collecting
Lionel’s no. 700E scale Hudson 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 […]
Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader
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 […]
Wonderful warbonnet: Lionel’s no. 11739 “The Super Chief” set
CTT’s Hal Miller has a look at Lionel’s no. 11739 Santa Fe “The Super Chief” set that was the first one in the modern era to feature an Alco locomotive. This O-27 outfit is still available and affordable on the auction and swap meet market along with its add-on cars. It’s great to run or […]
Lionel’s no. 6417 porthole 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 […]
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 […]
Trains.com Holiday Party: A Train Set from Christmas Past, Episode 5
As CTT Editor Hal Miller shares, getting a toy train set up and running for the holidays is a timeless tradition! And as CTT Senior Editor Roger Carp explains, getting your hands on an uncatalogued Lionel/MPC set from 1973 can be a special treat in the 2020 holiday season. […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Questions and Answers
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had with the Facebook audience. We hope you enjoy it! Find out more about Lionel Trains […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Illuminated Station Platform No. 157
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had about a Lionel “Illuminated Station Platform” that had been a treasured piece of a co-worker’s […]
Exploring Lionel Trains of the 1950s: Lionel caboose No. 6257
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had about a Lionel caboose that had been a treasured piece of a co-worker’s operating layout […]
Toy Trains for the Holidays
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 […]
Lionel’s 3666 Minuteman–and cannon–boxcar
The September 2014 issue’s Collectible Classic discusses this interesting boxcar. Joe Algozzini provides detailed information about the variations of this car. […]