Joe Algozzini, perhaps the preeminent expert on Lionel trains and accessories manufactured during the post-World War II era (1945-69) has been contributing deeply researched and thoughtfully written articles to Classic Toy Trains since its second issue hit newsstands in the spring of 1988. To be honest, Joe was laying the groundwork for what became the […]
The MTH Premier EMD SD35 was announced in September of 2022. Previously run in 2020, these models again feature ProtoSound 3.0 technology and the great detailing we’ve come to expect from MTH. The prototype was produced by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division from mid-1964 through 1966. More than 350 of the 2,500 hp locomotives were built, […]
Should it stay or should it go? Model Railroader magazine editors Eric White and Bryson Sleppy talk about the reasons to keep or discard rare, unique, special, irreplaceable model railroad “treasures”. From rolling stock to tools to modeling supplies, if you question whether or not you should keep something in your collection, they have answers! […]
Verlyn Noring received his first train set when he was 5 years old. Today, he still admires that Marx No. 999 set, which is proudly displayed on his fireplace mantle. In 1982, Verlyn and Louise attended the LCCA convention in Dearborn, Mich. They spotted a custom painted postwar Christmas train set for sale. Like many […]
“Less is more,” as the saying goes from the article How to lubricate your O and S gauge trains. The same applies to lubricating modern O scale steam locomotives, big and small. Though much like their real-life counterparts, there will be a few more components to attend to in contrast to lubricating diesels and rolling […]
In this concluding video of the Olympia & Sand Creek Sidetrack Series, host David Popp finalizes the assembly of the horses, mules, and wagons. Follow along as he shares techniques for hitching the ponies to the carts, before he gets back to working on the On30 model railroad! Be sure to explore the entire Olympia […]
When I was a kid, we’d drive 3 ½ hours north to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit my grandparents a couple of times per year. Of course, that long of a drive necessitated one or two pit stops. Most were at tiny gas stations in small towns. Menards Sunoco Station (275-9288) reminds me […]
Planning your travel for this summer? Be sure to include some model trains in those plans! These five train layouts throughout the country (and world) are all worth a visit this summer. Colorado Model Railroad Museum Featuring more than 500 HO scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of track, and tens of thousands of handmade trees, […]
Locomotives & rolling stock E-Z Catch Train Shop has announced a custom-run MTH D&H hopper (20-95691) as part of the Premier line. The car is decorated in pink cancer awareness graphics. Estimated delivery this fall. Price: $74.99. Website: https://e-zcatch.square.site. Pat’s Trains, 142 29th St., Wheeling WV, 26003, is offering a custom-run MTH AC6000 engine in […]
Enjoy a glimpse of 1930s-era logging operations on Sam Foster’s 6 x 40-foot On30 (1:48) scale model railroad. Tall timber and equally impressive railroad engineering abound on this freelanced, around-the-walls narrow gauge (30″) layout. You can read more about the layout in the August 2024 issue of Model Railroader magazine. […]
Model Railroader After Hours | June 25, 2024. After Hours is an informal livestream hosted by Trains.com staff members… after the “work” of the day is done, there’s aways something else fun! Although David Popp typically hosts this Trains.com LIVE EVENT, he and other Trains.com staff members have been rather busy dismantling Model Railroader magazines’s […]
Rarely does a locomotive capture both the elements of power and beauty. As train enthusiasts we love the power aspect, but often the result is boxy, odd, or bland. The Union Pacific’s ten FEF-class steam locomotives set a standard for rugged beauty, and one in particular has had an operation life of 79 years. That […]
