Some of your favorite toy train Christmas scenes

Model steam engine in Christmas scene

Vintage toy trains in winter holiday scenes bring feelings of nostalgia. Relive the nostalgia with this selection of both current and vintage holiday-themed photos in O and Standard gauge scales. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com […]

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Holiday boxcars from Atlas

Three holiday boxcars

Atlas O has introduced the first three of four new holiday boxcars that salute traditional American celebrations. I’m very impressed with them. Most holiday boxcars that I’ve owned were simply a basic boxcar with some cheery graphics. Not so with these; Atlas O applies the fun graphics to a top-of-the-line car that the most dyed-in-the-wool […]

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MTH RailKing SW1 locomotive is small but mighty

MTH RailKing SW1 locomotive

The MTH RailKing SW1 locomotive is a model of a humble but evolutionary piece of machinery. Steam locomotives truly were amazing transportation machines, but they basically shook themselves apart as they ran. As such they required lots of care and feeding to keep them service. Accordingly, railroads needed substantial support networks including engine shops, turntables, […]

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January 2022

January 2022 issue cover

Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 8 LETTERS, pg. 12 NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14 Atlas O container, weathering materials MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 17 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, pg. 20 COLLECTIBLE CLASSICS, pg. 22 VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 23 S GAUGE THEN NOW AND THEN, pg. 24 GREATEST FIND, […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 75

Bob Keller in the studio for Bob's Train Box 75

Bob and regular guest CTT editor Hal Miller have a look at MTH Trains’ new SW1 switcher. Check out the review in the January 2022 issue. The host also lights up Atlas O holiday boxcars, and shows some of his collection of railroad signs plus others available at Kalmbachhobbystore.com. […]

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Meet the Modeler: Neal Schorr

A train on Neal Schorr's layout

Neal Schorr’s work has appeared numerous times on the cover of and inside Classic Toy Trains, as well as in our sister publication Model Railroader. He’s an excellent modeler and equally good with a camera. His Pennsylvania RR-themed layout is loaded with scale detail and memorable scenes based on actual locations. Questions & answers My […]

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A visit to Len Smith’s O gauge Reading layout

Len Smith's layout and the cover of the November 2021 Classic Toy Trains

Take a ride on Len Smith’s O gauge Reading RR featured in the November 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Modern locomotives and rolling stock plus great scenery make this layout a terrific tribute to his favorite fallen flag. Have a look at the track plan here. […]

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Lionel Area 51 set a spooky and fun train

Chris Raines with Lionel Area 51 set

Get a look at the Lionel Area 51 set (no. 2123160)! Chris Raines of RBP Trains on YouTube reviews this spooky and fun O gauge train outfit. First is a close look at the GE “ET44” Tier 4 Bluetooth-controlled locomotive and the array of cars. Then Chris takes it for a spin on his great […]

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