Host John Truckenbrod takes time to talk about the process of buying and selling collectible toy trains. Of course, the conversation starts with a conscientious effort to determine the true condition/grade of an item. Follow along as John steps through the evaluation process for a sampling of vintage Lionel offerings. […]
ManuFacturer: Lionel
O gauge Piggly Wiggly by Menards

Bill Zuback O gauge Piggly Wiggly from Menards Price: $99.99 (no. 279-4426) Features: Interior and exterior lighting, store name flashes in sequence. Interior decoration includes printed shelves with products and shoppers. Sidewalk details include pedestrians, mailbox and mechanical horse ride. Order online at www.Menards.com/Trains and opt for free shipping to your local Menards store. Watch […]
Lionel Trains Identification Guide

Download this free 32-page PDF to learn how to easily spot Lionel locomotive repaints and recognize Lionel restorations. This free download will help collectors identify authentic Lionel trains. […]
Build an easy Christmas layout

When I learned our 4-year-old granddaughter was visiting my wife Diana and me for Christmas, I was determined to make the holiday extra special by building an O gauge Christmas tree train layout – and I knew where to turn for help. My brother Norman has been a model railroader for as long as I […]
New products from the September 2019 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine

CABIN FEVER: Get away for a weekend in the woods with the O gauge no. BR5869 Rustic Cabin from Woodland Scenics. The features board and batten siding, a shake shingle roof, woodpile, and a covered porch with two rocking chairs. A pre-installed LED porchlight, compatible with Woodland’s Just Plug lighting system, is included. Price: $99.99. […]
Truck’s Toy Trains: Episode 5 Lionel Locomotives
In this episode of Truck’s Toy Trains, John talks about iconic Lionel locomotives. Truck also shares plenty of insights regarding his collection of F3 diesel locomotives, GG1 electric locomotives, Hudson steam locomotives, and other powered units produced in the postwar era. […]
Truck’s Toy Trains: Episode 5 Lionel Locomotives
In this episode of Truck’s Toy Trains, John talks about iconic Lionel locomotives. Truck also shares plenty of insights regarding his collection of F3 diesel locomotives, GG1 electric locomotives, Hudson steam locomotives, and other powered units produced in the postwar era. […]
EMD E6 diesel A-A set from Lionel

Bill Zuback photo O gauge E6 A-A set by Lionel Price: $999.99 (6-84650) Cmd low: 2.9 smph Conv low: 7.2 smph High Speed: 67.8 smph Drawbar pull: 1 pound, 8 ounces per A unit. Features: Two can-style motors in each unit, Lionel Legacy command and sound system, capable of conventional, TMCC, LionChief Universal Remote and […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Questions and Answers

Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had with the Facebook audience. We hope you enjoy it! Find out more about Lionel Trains […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Questions and Answers
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had with the Facebook audience. We hope you enjoy it! Find out more about Lionel Trains […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Illuminated Station Platform No. 157
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had about a Lionel “Illuminated Station Platform” that had been a treasured piece of a co-worker’s […]
Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Illuminated Station Platform No. 157
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had about a Lionel “Illuminated Station Platform” that had been a treasured piece of a co-worker’s […]