July/August 2023

The July/August 2023 issue of Classic Toy Trains

Rolling on through adversity

Nothing can stop the Train Masters of Babylon. Cover photo by Ben Lake.

COLLECTIBLE CLASSICS: Lionel’s No. 17014 Golden West graffiti hopper

Modeling a controversial trend.

Better and better American Flyer layouts

Tim Price keeps upping his S gauge game with new displays.

Where displays come to life

Steven Blotner preserves the history of the toy train hobby.

Uncataloged Marx New York Central passenger set

This elegant O scale train was available only by mail order.

Building a farmhouse scene

Plus some helpful tips to get rid of that flatland look.

Treasure in Lionel’s No. 1250 Service Station Special

Set from 1972 gave new life to a classic steamer.

EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4

LETTERS, pg. 6

MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 8

PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 10

NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14
Atlas O offerings, NJ Hi-Railers specials, railroad books and DVDs

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, pg. 20

S GAUGE NOW AND THEN, pg. 22

VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 24

WEEKEND WORKSHOP, pg. 44

REVIEWS, pg. 50
Lionel F40PH, Menards Cripple Creek County Jail, plus more

AD INDEX, pg. 57

TIPS & TECHNIQUES, pg. 58
Make command control easier and more reliable