Name: Greg Bird’s O gauge layoutDimensions: 6 x 16 feet Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (36-inch diameter) Motive power and rolling stock: Lionel, MTHControls: Lionel 180-watt PowerHouse power supply with Legacy command control Structures: Atlas O, Korber, Lionel, scratchbuiltVehicles: Diecast DirectFigures: Arttista Download the track plan for this layout! Buy the Classic Toy Trains Spring […]
Name: Neal Mayer’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 12′-0″ x 27′-3″ Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 27 to 36 inches) Motive power: K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams by Bachmann Rolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams by Bachmann Controls: Lionel No. CW-80, MTH No. Z-1000 transformers with MTH Digital Command System Structures: Atlas O, Korber, […]
Please note: Due to a technical glitch in our software, the camera angles for this track plan did not appear in the Spring 2024 issue. We’re sharing that image here. We apologize for the omission. – Ed. Name: Jack Hedge’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 23 x 24 feet Track: GarGraves (diameters range from 72” to […]
You’ve learned a few things about toy trains, and maybe even bought a few items or pieces of track. You have a spare room and would like to build a layout. What’s next? Before you start building, we’ve got a list of what to consider first. No. 1 Consider your space Consider the room or […]
When it comes to detail parts, often we find ourselves sourcing the same buildings, fences, or houses. If you’re not confident in your model building skills developing a unique scene without premade structures can be a challenge. Recently, Mr. Muffin’s Trains (Atlanta, Ind.) has started selling Schomberg Scale Structure kits, formerly sold under the Schomberg […]
Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 LETTERS, pg. 6 VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 8 PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 10 NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14 LCCA custom cars, Menards products, RMT ore car, and more MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 20 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, pg. 22 S GAUGE NOW AND THEN, pg. 26 WEEKEND WORKSHOP, […]
The ScaleTrains S gauge 40-foot boxcar, based on a United States Railroad Administration (USRA) rebuilt steel prototype, is in hobby shops now. The model, the company’s second release in its S-Helper Service line, is offered ready-to-run in 10 paint schemes and as a kit in two versions. The prototype The sample we received is decorated […]
Q I noticed rust on the trucks of my Lionel No. 646 steam engine. When I tried to run the postwar locomotive, operation was sluggish. The engine needed an unusual amount of transformer voltage to go around the track. I removed the cab and discovered the aluminum crosshead guide, where the valve gear linkages are […]
We’re always adding new content to our website. Here’s some recent items you may have missed. Lionel No. 3474 boxcar upgrades any collection Add a colorful car to your collection. Learn more from Roger Carp. Use Lionel’s Bluetooth tower to add sound Add sound effects, music, and more on your layout. Learn more. Meet […]
Locomotives and rolling stock Burlington Northern (1991 scheme), Montana Rail Link (blue 2009 scheme), TTX (gray patchout with TOFX reporting marks, yellow-and-black as-delivered scheme, and yellow-and-black with Forward Thinking patch), and York Rail (brown) are the new paint schemes on the Atlas O Premier line Gunderson 50-foot high-cube boxcar. The paper-hauling boxcar, priced at $79.95, […]
Layout designer: William Holt Scale: S Layout size: 3.5 x 6 feet Track type: MTH S-Trax Minimum curve: R-19 curve Originally appeared in the November 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. An S gauge starter set oval with add-ons An S gauge starter set oval with add-ons schematic An S gauge starter set oval […]
One of the joys of modern model railroading is incorporating new technology. Using a familiar mobile device, for instance, can add more life and realism to a layout. About five years ago, as I was building my 4 x 8 O gauge layout, I read about Lionel’s No. 84611 Bluetooth Radio Tower and its functionality […]
