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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 […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer as she visits Lionel Trains, LLC headquarters and speaks with Audio Engineer Tracey Schroeder about the often-overlooked world of model train sound. Tracey reveals the meticulous process of capturing and creating the authentic sounds you hear in Lionel Trains, from steam whistles and bells to diesel prime movers […]
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 […]
Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson and Classic Toy Trains’ Editor Rene Schweitzer unbox an all-new, precise O scale (1:48, 2-rail & 3-rail options) Siemens Charger and a GE P42DC locomotives from Sunset Models | 3rd Rail, manufacturers now aligned under Third & Townsend! Plus, you’ll also see a bonus unboxing of a unique, O gauge […]
Trains.com sits down with Third & Townsend Models President Jay Escamilla on October 15, 2025, to discuss the recent amalgamation of Sunset Models, 3rd Rail, and Golden Gate Depot brands, and what it means for modelers. Jay details the companies’ commitment to producing the most prototypically accurate O (1:48) and HO (1:87.1) scale models in […]
Hear about the future of MTH Electric Trains directly from company principals Rich Foster and Bradley DeLeon. Even as MTH founder Mike Wolf annouced his retirement, Rich had a plan to keep the company going. Today, custom/specialty products now account for about 30% of the business. MTH has also made commitments to its RailKing One Gauge […]
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 […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Service Repair Manager Savathdy My as they discuss the Lionel Trains LLC warranty program. Savathdy relays how contacting Lionel via talktous@lionel.com is the best path for the fastest service, which sets up an RA (Return Authorization) and prepaid label. When shipping, he encourages customers to use bubble […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as they share essential tips for restoring a vintage toy train. They address a viewer’s request for help with his father’s old Ives train set, which is in poor condition with bent metal, rust, and poor paint. Their discussion covers key […]
Come along with CTT and Trains.com staff members, as they visit the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club in New Berlin, Wisconsin! In this video, you’ll see views of the enormous 30 x 54-foot O gauge (3-rail) train display in operation – along with equally impressive scenery and structures! Read more about this layout in the December […]
Follow Rene Schweitzer, Editor of Classic Toy Trains magazine, as she visits the Lionel Trains LLC headquarters to chat with Parts Manager/Customer Service Manager Aaron Fraser. In this exclusive video, get an inside look at how Lionel catalogs and manages its extensive inventory of over 35,000 unique parts, plus more than 2 million on-hand items! […]
In this exclusive interview with Meghan Fraser, Product Manager of Lionel TrainsLLC, learn how Lionel develops new accessories. Read the article in the Fall 2025 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Read an interview with CEO Howard Hitchcock. […]
