Sunset Models | 3rd Rail Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotive

Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson reviews the highly-anticipated Sunset Models | 3rd Rail precise O scale (1:48, 2-rail & 3-rail options) Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotive, Amtrak Midwest No. 4630! This video review features an up-close workbench inspection of the model’s incredible prototype fidelity, from the well-detailed cab interior to the iconic cooling grills to the […]

Read More…

Lionel Legacy ET44AC

black and white model diesel engine

In April 2024, Lionel announced a newly-tooled, ET44AC diesel-electric locomotive in a standalone catalog. This O-scale, 3-rail model was delivered in September 2025 and has received high praise.  The ET44AC was produced by General Electric and is part of its Evolution Series. The locomotive is compliant with Tier 4 emissions standards, hence the “T” in […]

Read More…

Lionel Legacy 2-8-2 USRA Heavy Mikado steam locomotive

Join Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson as he reviews the Lionel Legacy O gauge (1:48) USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado Soo Line No. 1003 , featuring video of the model operating on the Milwaukee Lionel RR Club and the 1:1 scale steam locomotive too! This Legacy model boasts detailed construction, stack and whistle steam, and is easily […]

Read More…

Atlas O Premier C44-9W locomotive

red and silver model locomotive on train layout

Watch a newly released Atlas O Premier Line GE C44-9W diesel locomotive (1:48 scale) in action on CTT Contributor Chris Montagna’s O gauge layout. See all of the accurate details, and hear all of the authentic sounds! Read the Product Review from Classic Toy Trains magazine Editor Rene Schweitzer. […]

Read More…

Atlas O Premier VIA Rail F40PH-2

close up of model locomotive

Watch a video of the Atlas O Premier custom-run VIA Rail F40PH-2 locomotive, as offered by Mr. Muffin’s Trains. This locomotive packs in a lot of detail and features like Proto-Sound 3.0 and O-36 operation. Read the product review of this engine from Contributing Editor Bob Keller. […]

Read More…

Lionel Thomas & Friends battery operated starter set

woman and man next to toy train set

Lionel Thomas & Friends battery operated starter set Classic Toy Trains‘ Editor Rene Schweitzer and Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson unbox and demonstrate a battery-operated O gauge starter set from Lionel. This Thomas & Friends set comes with Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, accessories, plastic track, and a remote control. Learn what you’ll need to get this […]

Read More…

Project Roar Book: Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains!

cover of book with black and white photo

Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp and Project Roar’s John Schmid open and unbox a brand-new book called Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! This hardcover book, published by Project Roar and authored by noted toy train historian Roger Carp, showcases the importance and significance of Lionel Trains throughout the years. A Lionel train was more […]

Read More…

Lionel Base3 control system unboxing and reveal

man and woman behind counter looking inside of a box

Lionel has released their Base3 control system, and CTT unboxes and tests the product. Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller offer some tips and tricks for operation, and demonstrate the Polar Express engine on the CT&T in-house layout. Read a review from Chris Montagna about the Base3. Learn more about this system at […]

Read More…

O gauge three-truck Shay from MTH

black steam locomotive mode;

Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Model Railroader Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy explain the history, features, and operate the O gauge three-truck Shay from MTH. Read the print review here. Learn more about the history of the Shay.     […]

Read More…

Menards Santa Fe starter set unboxing and reveal

red and silver engine on table

CTT Product Review | Menards Santa Fe Train Set | 10-13-2023 | Menards has released an all-new, complete ready-to-run O gauge electric train set! Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller unbox the Menards Santa Fe O gauge starter set, examine the features of the components (track, trains, and control system), […]

Read More…