A look back: Early MTH product review

screenshot of product review

This week’s “look back” is an early CTT product review from the Fall 1988 issue of the MTH 2-4-2 reproduction Lionel 263E locomotive. Look at that price–seems like a deal these days for a new engine. Dick Christiansen compared the engine to an original one owned by Andy Sperandeo. It’s interesting to note the color […]

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Michael Tylick’s O gauge track plan contest submission

The winning O gauge track plan submission

The plan is simple: a long loop-to-loop (folded dog-bone) single-track line. There are several passing sidings to allow three trains to be on the line at the same time with a long run between return loops. Wireless controls are always nice, but a classic Lionel type-ZW transformer with a switch control panel board is really […]

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Neal Schorr’s Pennsylvania RR Middle Division in O scale

A toy train layout track plan

Name: Neal Schorr’s Pennsylvania RR Middle DivisionGauge: O scale (1:48)Dimensions: 38 x 45 feet (maximum dimensions)Track: Atlas O code 215 three-rail flextrackTurnouts: Atlas O, Ross Custom SwitchesMotive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Golden Gate Depot, K-Line, Lionel, WeaverControls: Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Structures: Atlas O, DPM, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuilt, Wm. K. WalthersFigures: Arttista, Woodland […]

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Gary King’s S gauge layout

A track plan for a toy train layout

Name: Gary King’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 11½ x 13½ feetTrack and switches: American Models (diameters range from 42 up to 60 inches)Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper ServiceRolling stock: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel, S-Helper ServiceControls: Gilbert American Flyer, Model Rectifier Corp. transformersAccessories: Gilbert American Flyer, MTH Electric Trains, Wm. K. WalthersStructures: […]

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Toy train parts suppliers

model train with screwdriver and assorted parts around it

One of the questions we receive quite regularly is where to find parts. Sooner or later, it’s likely you’ll need a part for your locomotive or rolling stock. It could be as simple as replacing traction tires or as complicated as a postwar rehab project. In either case, we’ve got you covered! For each retailer, […]

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5 tips for starting a toy train collection

Silver and yellow toy boxcar

I began collecting O and 027 gauge trains in middle school. Like many toy train enthusiasts, the trains were eventually packed away for various reasons. Years later, I unpacked my Lionel and Marx collection.  It had been a long time since I had seen these trains. I unpacked mostly postwar and modern 2-4-2 outline steam […]

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Lionel’s No. 671 Pennsylvania RR S2 Steam Turbine

vintage black model steam locomotive

Lionel’s No. 671 Pennsylvania RR S2 steam turbine is one of the classic O gauge locomotives of the postwar era. Lionel released it for the first full product line of the post-World War II era in 1946. But the brilliant minds in the Engineering Department at Lionel were almost certainly taking their first steps in […]

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How do I remove black marks from tubular track?

Sections of track on the table

I recently took out my old toy trains that have been packed away for about 25 years. The tubular track sections that were brand new back then now have black marks on them. How do I clean them and get them usable again? — Joe Rampe If it’s just dry corrosion, a Scotch-Brite pad will […]

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