Lionel Legacy 2-8-2 USRA Heavy Mikado steam locomotive

Join Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson as he reviews the Lionel Legacy O gauge (1:48) USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado Soo Line No. 1003 , featuring video of the model operating on the Milwaukee Lionel RR Club and the 1:1 scale steam locomotive too! This Legacy model boasts detailed construction, stack and whistle steam, and is easily […]

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Lionel’s No. 520 Lionel Lines Boxcab Electric

red model train

Lionel’s No. 520 Lionel Lines Boxcab Electric stands out among other postwar O-27 locomotives because there is so much about it that’s different from what you find on other models from that celebrated era of production. The 520 is far from scarce and so is commonly overlooked by avid collectors and operators of postwar trains. […]

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Menards Union Station

O scale station/platform structure

The O scale Union Station from Menards (No. 2759531) is another excellent offering from the home improvement chain, providing a readily made structure that requires minimal fuss for setup. Out of the box, with hardly any assembly needed, the structure measures 13-1/16” wide, 7-7/8″ deep, and 8-1/4″ tall. Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and […]

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How to use servos on your layout

A cemetery on a toy train layout

I enjoy animating scenes on my O gauge layout, and have come across a great way to get slower, more-precise realistic action: using servos. A servomotor, or servo, is a small, inexpensive device that provides control over the position, speed, and acceleration of a mechanical system. The device is readily available, easy to program, and […]

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Cody’s Office | October 2025

Welcome back to Cody’s Office! This month’s episode is packed with three new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to your viewer mail questions. Our featured products include the N scale Electro-Motive Division SD35 diesel locomotive from Atlas Model Railroad Co.; an HO scale Electro-Motive Division NW2 diesel switcher from the WalthersProto series; and a […]

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Cody’s Office | October 2025

Welcome back to Cody’s Office! This month’s episode is packed with three new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to your viewer mail questions. Our featured products include the N scale Electro-Motive Division SD35 diesel locomotive from Atlas Model Railroad Co.; an HO scale Electro-Motive Division NW2 diesel switcher from the WalthersProto series; and a […]

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How do I find toy train part numbers?

Classic Toy Trains magazine logo

Thanks for the list of sources for parts in the Fall 2025 issue of CTT. I have nine prewar and postwar engines awaiting attention; I’ll need parts for some of them, and your list will be invaluable. But some sources don’t do searches for parts, which raises the question: Where do we find part numbers? […]

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Working with 3D-printed parts

Color photo showing HO scale 3D printed truck bed attached to the support structure on white background. A metal sprue cutter is also visible in the image.

Q: I’m excited by all the new 3D-printed figures and details that have become available. Lately, however, I’ve received some figures that are still attached to the support structure. I work in HO scale, and I’m not sure how to safely remove all this material without damaging the details or figures. Do you have any […]

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Frank Cerauli built his layout on dreams

silver model train on corner of toy train layout

Frank Cerauli built the magnificent 15 x 30-foot O gauge layout that fills part of his home on dreams. In that important respect, he hardly differs from so many of the creative and hard-working men and women who derive great satisfaction and pleasure from operating miniature trains, whether they be toys or scale replicas. To […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for October 2025

red, white, blue model caboose

Locomotives & rolling stock Berwyn’s Toys & Trains, 7025 Odgen Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402, is selling a custom-run MTH F7 Diesel Locomotive as part of the Premier line. The locomotives will be offered in two powered A units, each with a unique cab number (20-220241 shown). Expected delivery in November 2025. Price: $549.95. Website: berwynstoytrains.com […]

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