November 22 is Take A Train to Work Day

Kalmbach Media is reinstating a tradition that began in the 2000s. On Friday, Nov. 22, modelers, railfans, and train lovers are invited to take their trains to work to celebrate the national Take A Train to Work Day. Whether it’s the prized locomotive of your fleet, a structure you’re particularly proud of, or your favorite […]

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O gauge Lionel CupolaCam caboose

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O gauge CupolaCam caboose from Lionel Price: $124.99 (No. 85072) Features: O-31 operation, camera mounted in cupola, interior illumination, die-cast trucks and couplers, camera on/off and reset controls. Current production: Burlington Northern, Chessie System, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Pennsylvania RR, Reading, Santa Fe, and Union Pacific. As kids, we would hold our heads down close to […]

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Wiring a Train Layout

Wiring a Train Layout

Download this free 44-page PDF to learn a variety of wiring tips for small train layouts. Inside you’ll find out how to troubleshoot bad wires and solder like a pro. Plus, the editors of Classic Toy Trains Magazine also share 20 fast wiring tips and the fundamentals of electrical switches. […]

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10 gems of layout wisdom

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Carl uses red parts of his nos. 342 culvert loader and 345 culvert unloader to accentuate no. 2031 Rock Island Alcos. Carl Rygiewicz The best part of building and operating a layout, irrespective of its size or scale, is realizing how much you have learned and being eager to share a few lessons and insights […]

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Truck’s Toy Trains: Episode 7 Colber Accessories

Metal toy train bridges.

In this episode, Colber railroad accessories are the focus of John Truckenbrod analysis. He’ll explore how these American-made products shared similarities with Lionel offerings of the same period. Plus, Taylor joins John to examine a 1920 Lionel Corporation artifact with an intriguing backstory! […]

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Improve the look of any layout

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hildren frolic in a pond, staying out of the way of a resident steering his kayak through the waters. Nearby, a train led by the Flyer no. 350 Royal Blue 4-6-2 Pacific Bill played with as a boy weaves its way over the ballasted track. Bill Novak Bill Novak shares a dozen tips for improving […]

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