Wayne Meeds wants to know where they can information on how to install a Tortoise switch machine with limited clearance under the roadbed. Cody Grivno is here to help out. […]
Info on installing a switch machine
Section: Videos
TCA York Train Meet returns
Ready for a long-awaited return to Toy Train Mecca – otherwise known as the Eastern Division TCA York Train Meet in York, PA? Even if you can’t make it to the York Fairgrounds for the October 21-23, 2021, O and S gauge event, you’ll appreciate a glimpse at the fun enjoyed by Kent and Carl […]
Scale It Down: Ground covering for industrial outlots, Episode 7
Series host Steve Brown heads for the homestretch, as he works to complete the scenery on his down-sized (N scale) depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Follow the “Regular Guy” routine to learn simple ways for adding both fine and clump ground cover materials to the outlots of this industrial area. […]
Why are there four digit numbers on locomotives?
Brandon Muir from Canada wonders why locomotives in North America often have four digit numbers, and if the same number would be used in more than one railroad. Cody Grivno, Group Technical Editor, is here to explain. […]
Trouble with locomotives on back-order
David King from Australia wants to model Burlington Northern and BNSF, but most of the models are on back-order. Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno is here to explain why that might be. […]
State Line Route in N scale: Wiring a layout for DC power, Episode 8
After a quick update with Jenny to see how her Walther’s bungalow kit is coming along, David gets to work on electrical projects. Follow along, and you’ll see how he installed feeder wires and added a power bus line under the State Line Route N scale layout. […]
Professor Carp: Kusan produces boxcars in Mexico
Classic Toy Trains’ Professor Carp looks at the history of Kusan boxcars. He shows some examples and details the company’s manufacturing in Tennessee and Mexico, where a number of interesting variations of the company’s “K” Series cars were produced. Those produced south of the border fetch a premium. […]
Add a solar-powered light to a large-scale cabin
Garden Railways Editor Hal Miller shows step-by-step how to illuminate a PIKO cabin kit with an inexpensive solar-powered path light available from a home improvement store. […]
An Atlas coil car, Locomotive 2021 from Trains magazine, and an Athearn Genesis GP15-1 diesel locomotive. Plus a modeling tip and a big announcement!
After more than a year of filming episodes in his basement and in the MR workshop, Cody Grivno is back in the office! In this episode, he will take a look at an Atlas N scale 48-foot coil car, an Athearn Genesis HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP15-1 road diesel, and the Locomotive 2021 annual from […]
CTT’s fall 2021 special: Toy train layouts for small spaces
The latest special issue from Classic Toy Trains! If you’re looking to build your first toy train layout, or maybe just something more manageable, Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces has you covered! It’s full of plans for layouts under 100 square feet that will fit in a spare room, including island and around the […]
State Line Route in N scale: Bridge installation and laying curved track, Episode 7
In this episode, David’s projects include repairing benchwork, installing a bridge, and laying curved track sections. Tune in for David’s tips and techniques for making flowing, smooth curves with Micro Engineering Flex-Track. […]
Wonderful warbonnet: Lionel’s no. 11739 “The Super Chief” set
CTT’s Hal Miller has a look at Lionel’s no. 11739 Santa Fe “The Super Chief” set that was the first one in the modern era to feature an Alco locomotive. This O-27 outfit is still available and affordable on the auction and swap meet market along with its add-on cars. It’s great to run or […]
