O gauge prewar-style freight set by Lionel (MTH)

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Prewar trains are delightfully uncomplicated and remind us of the fun that can be had just running around a circle of track on the floor. The Lionel Corp. Tinplate line no. 269E freight set by MTH is a great example of a prewar-style O gauge train that delivers quality performance. It’s a swell introduction to […]

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O gauge RailKing diesel freight set by MTH

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If the no. 269E freight in the previous review epitomizes a hotshot train of the olden days, this O gauge RailKing freight set from MTH shows off the best side of modern railroading as well as the high-tech side of the three-rail game with nicely detailed rolling stock pulled by a RailKing Imperial line locomotive. […]

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David Smith’s O gauge holiday display

David Smith's O gauge holiday display

David Smith’s 4 x 6-foot O gauge holiday display uses a pie-shaped platform to run his toy trains under a full-size Christmas tree. Learn how to build this attractive and compact display bursting with holiday cheer in the December issue. […]

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Jay Cain’s innovative O gauge layout

Jay Cain’s innovative O gauge layout

Jay Cain’s O-27 empire was one of the last O gauge layouts to be featured in our sister publication, Model Railroader. This new 12 x 30-foot O gauge layout reflects his wealth of experience in the hobby, along with his artistic and mechanical talents and vast imagination. […]

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New products for November 2013

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TASTY FIXINS: The Long Island Toy Train Locomotive Engineers (LITTLE) is serving up another custom-run Lionel freight car decorated for Entenmann’s bakery. The O gauge car features Entenmann’s graphics and comes in a blue and white trimmed box. The car will be limited to the number ordered, and orders must be placed by January 10, […]

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Assembled O gauge wood tavern from Menards

menardstavern

I always like receiving a big box from regional hardware chain Menards. You never know what toy train goodness it will contain. Popping the strapping tape on this one surprised me. This is a two-story commercial building with the first floor occupied by a tavern and a second floor that could be either apartments or […]

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O gauge armored train by Lionel (MTH)

armoredtrain

Armored trains have quite a history, dating back as far as the American Civil War. Trains offered speed and flexibility for the movement of troops and supplies and could serve as artillery platforms. Of course, once that advantage was realized, opponents sought ways to interdict the movement through placement of mines, destruction of bridges and […]

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Frank Knautz’s realistic O gauge layout

Frank Knautz’s compact 11 x 11-foot O gauge railroad features realistic city scenes and landscaping that recreate events from the lives of his parents, blending elements of the past and present to create a realistic layout on which to run his vintage trains. […]

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Lou Palumbo’s O gauge layout

    In addition to writing “Views from the Underground,” a popular column in CTT, Lou Palumbo owns the Underground Railroad Shoppe in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Inside the shop dwells a 16 x 28-foot O gauge layout packed with trains, structures, and fun! The layout is open for public display between Thanksgiving and the end […]

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