Locomotives & rolling stock MTH has a series of Christmas items as part of their RailKing line. Available items include an O gauge Railing Alco PA A unit diesel (30-21253, $399.95, shown), an ES44AC Imperial diesel engine (30-21238, $399.95), a 4-car double-door plugged boxcar set (30-70131, $349.95), and much more. Delivery expected in October 2024. […]
Even the smallest layout needs at least a few structures on it. We’ve compiled a list of manufacturers offering products in O and S scale. We’ve noted each manufacturer’s contact information, what type of structures, the material(s), and if the kits are lighted. Please contact the manufacturer directly if you have questions about their products. […]
Nobody can say the Menards doesn’t push the envelope in their line of O gauge structures. From power plants, to hotels, and office buildings, the company doesn’t just take an old design and slap new signage on the exterior. The Vehicle Showroom (275-9281) counts as a spectacular design and and an innovative way to construct […]
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 […]
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, […]
Menards fictional city of Cripple Creek has expanded to include Sooty’s Coal Tipple (275-9271). Historically, coal tipples were located near mines. Small loads of coal would be brought up from the mines and dumped into a larger hopper car. Coal would be carried up into the tipple via a conveyor belt. Many tipples had a […]
Design a toy train layout — O, S, or Standard/Wide gauge — it requires above all making one fundamental decision. Each operator must decide what sort of look he or she wants the layout to have. To be specific, each modeler has to figure out the extent to which the layout, regardless of size or […]
It’s the new year and time for many to follow through on a popular new year’s resolution—heading to the gym. Menards has got you covered with their latest structure release, JimBo’s Gym (275-9253). This modern-format building measures 10 ½” long, 5 ¾” wide, and 6 ½” tall. It’s a two-story brick and glass structure that’s […]
Locomotives & rolling stock Menards has also released American Car & Foundry two-bay Center Flow covered hopper cars. Shown here is CN in a 1971 promotional paint scheme (2759230). The cars have die-cast couplers, navigate O-27 curves, and each is uniquely numbered. Cost: $34.99. Order from menards.com/trains Atlas O has announced new paint schemes for […]
Menards has really shaken up how O gaugers build their layout cities. Parking garages, nuclear power plants, towering hotels and even strip shopping centers populate layouts nation-wide. One aspect of the Menards building line is that there is often a space-saving feature such as the “run-through” tunnel that allows you to place a structure right […]
Locomotives and rolling stock Lionel has announced a 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex locomotive as part of its VisionLine series. Features include operation in Legacy, TMCC, or conventional mode; Bluetooth control; Lionel Voice Control; Odyssey II Speed Control; rear ElectroCoupler, Legacy Railsounds, tender smoke unit, and much more. The engines will be available in 11 road names (Erie […]
Tips for better tubular track Stamped metal track has been around for more than a hundred years. This “old reliable” track system is very sturdy and works equally well for permanent and non-permanent layouts. I start by darkening the center rail with cold metal bluing compound. Bluing compound is used in firearms restoration and is […]
