Readers’ Choice RR extension template

CTT-R0911_template

Just like the original section of our project railroad, our preferred method of transferring a track plan to a flat tabletop uses a computer to download and print out the full-scale template of the Readers’ Choice Railroad so we can easily tell how track, accessories, and some scenery elements work on our 3 x 8-foot […]

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Craft store finds for toy-train enthusiasts

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By the letter (and number) Vinyl letters with self-adhesive backing as well as dry transfers can be used straight from the package or as masks to letter structures, rolling stock, and locomotives. Alphanumeric sets are typically located with the drafting supplies. Additional self-adhesive and dry-transfer letters can be found in the scrapbooking supplies. Mark it […]

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REVIEW: O GAUGE NO. 255E BY LIONEL CORP. TINPLATE

PR0911_orange-crush

Let us go back to those thrilling days of yesteryear before rivets were counted, numbers on the side of a train meant anything, and the color choices for a train were totally at the mercy of the marketing department. Yes, I’m talking about the pre-World War II toy train era. The trains were made as […]

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Streaming video of action on the Readers’ Choice RR

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This grade-crossing scene is a perfect example of effectively combined basic scenery elements. We concluded the project by adding small details that give the 4 x 8-foot layout the Appalachian-theme requested by you. But because we weren’t quite ready to stop building, we made plans to add an extension to the layout. Catch a glimpse […]

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Postwar-style O gauge plan No. 1

CTT-Z0711_PLAN1

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet, 2 x 5-foot extension Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Parts list […]

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Postwar-style O gauge No. 2

CTT-Z0711_PLAN2

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 10 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Schematic Parts list […]

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Postwar-style O gauge plan No. 3

Retracted retro track plan

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 10 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Schematic Parts list […]

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Postwar-style O gauge plan No. 4

CTT-Z0711_PLAN4

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 10 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Schematic Parts list […]

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Postwar-style O gauge plan No. 5

CTT-Z0711_PLAN5

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Schematic Parts list […]

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Retro Railroad you can build – original

Retro Railroad you can build – original

Layout designer: John Grams and Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel O-27 Minimum curve: O-27 Originally appeared in the September 2009 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]

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