PDF: Build a 1:20.3 scale sleigh

Build a 1:20.3 scale sleigh

Download the PDF of this project here. Note: This PDF is tiled to print on your home printer. Two “overview” pages will print first, followed by the full-size plans. Each page has 1 1/2″ of intentional overlap. Trim the excess paper from each page and assemble the sections using the overview pages as a guide. […]

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PDF: Build a retired boxcar

Build a retired boxcar

Download the PDF of this project here. Note: This PDF is tiled to print on your home printer. Two “overview” pages will print first, followed by the full-size plans. Each page has 1 1/2″ of intentional overlap. Trim the excess paper from each page and assemble the sections using the overview pages as a guide. […]

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PDF: 1:20.3 scale lobster boat, part 2

1:20.3 scale lobster boat

Download a PDF to build part two of our 1:20.3-scale lobster boat. Part two includes finishing and detailing the boat. Note: This PDF is tiled to print on your home printer. Two “overview” pages will print first, followed by the full-size plans. Each page has 1 1/2″ of intentional overlap. Trim the excess paper from […]

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Accucraft live-steam Shay

Marc Horovitz Gauge 1, 1:20.3 scale, live-steam ShayAccucraft Trains31112 San Clemente St.Hayward CA 94544Price: $1,799Web site: www.accucraft.com All-metal model based on a Michigan-California Lumber Company Shay; three cylinders; butane-fired boiler; hinged cab roof; displacement lubricator; boiler fittings include safety valve, pressure gauge, water glass, check valve, filler plug; blow-off pressure, 50 psi; hand pump in […]

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Aristo-Craft Dash-9 locomotive

Marc Horovitz 1:29 scale, gauge 1, ready-to-run Dash 9 dieselAristo-Craft Trains698 S. 21st St.Irvington NJ 07111Price: $380 (UP, BNSF, SF, $400)Web site: www.aristocraft.com Mostly plastic model of a Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive; modular electrical connections and car body; two, three-axle power trucks with ball bearings; two motors per truck; bright-white LED directional front and rear […]

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House of Balsa false front, barber-shop facade

Kevin Strong G scale, false front, barber-shop facadeHouse of Balsa, Inc.10101 Yucca Rd.Adelanto CA 92301Price: $29.95 plus $6.00 s&h (per order)Web site: www.houseofbalsa.com Beginner’s laser-cut kit; balsa and 1/8″ plywood pieces; clear plastic for window glazing. Dimensions: 9 1/2″ tall x 7 1/2″ wide x 1 3/4″ deep Pros: Clear pictorial instructions guide you step […]

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USA Trains GP30

Marc Horovitz 1:29 scale, gauge-1 GP30USA TrainsPO?Box 100Malden MA 02148Web site: www.usatrains.comSee your local dealer for price and availability Plastic model of an EMD GP30; two motors; eight-wheel drive; four traction tires; directional lighting; fan-driven smoke unit; interior cab lighting; detailed cab interior; metal handrails; opening cab doors; hook-and-loop couplers installed, knuckles also supplied; engineer […]

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How to clean and oil O gauge and large scale engines

Photo of track cleaning fluid and accessories on white background.

For better or worse, the wheels of O and large scale trains seem to attract more grease and grime than those of HO and N scale pieces. Perhaps it’s the size of the trains, perhaps the shape of the wheels, or perhaps it’s carbon that gets deposited during operation, but either way they get filthy […]

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Hartland Locomotive Works Large scale “Dutchess” 2-4-0

THE CTT WHIMSEY Department is always looking for new products, and this cute little American-made “Duchess” 2-4-0 fits the bill. Indiana-based Hartland Locomotive Works has been quietly laboring to build a good reputation in the large scale market. Its goal seems to be to produce well made, fun to operate trains made in the United […]

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Marklin Large scale 2-6-0

THIS IS JUST what toy train folks have wanted for some time: a locomotive packing some offensive firepower. Trust me, the snowplow gives this engine a whole different personality from your run-of-the-mill light steamer. At last we have a locomotive that just begs to have Lincoln Log obstacles built across the track, herds of large […]

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USA Trains Large scale 44-ton switcher

USA TRAINS CONTINUES to crank out well-made large scale diesels. The company’s locomotives have earned a reputation for realism, quality components, top notch decoration, and value. USA Trains’ latest venture is the 44-ton diesel switcher, and it appears to fit right in to the company’s line of good running engines. The 44-tonner is an engine […]

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