Soo Line No. 1003 to operate in August for Wisconsin Chapter NRHS

An image of the broadside of a black-painted steam locomotive trailing smoke and steam

HARTFORD, Wis. — Soo Line No. 1003 will make its 2025 debut while also marking the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. A partnership between the chapter and the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association — the non-profit organization that maintains and operates the locomotive — calls for the 1913-built Mikado […]

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Western Maryland Scenic announces plans for RailFest 2025

Big plume above black steam engine coming around a bend

CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has announced plans for the 2025 edition of RailFest, its event celebrating heritage railroading, community, and mountain adventure. RailFest 2025: A Return to the Rails, is set for Sept. 12-14. Planned events include: — A “Sunset on the Mountains” train departing Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for August 2025

blue and white model diesel locomotive

Locomotives & rolling stock Legacy Station, 4153 Lawrenceville Highway, Ste. 12, Lilburn, GA 30047, has a custom-run MTH Extended Vision Caboose as part of the RailKing line (30-77414). It features holiday graphics and O-27 operation. Expected delivery in October 2025. Price: $89.95. Website: legacystation.com   MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD […]

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Monongahela monstrosity

Monongahela monstrosity

Pittsburgh & West Virginia’s Connellsville, Pa., line was rife with major bridges. Biggest of all was this colossal crossing of the Monongahela River, seen in March 1950 supporting a 2-6-6-4 and freight 99. The three main spans had a lower level for the Monessen Southwestern, but it never used them. Ralph E. Hallock photo […]

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Climbing the Front Range

Climbing the Front Range

Denver & Salt Lake train No. 1, the day train to Craig, rounds a sharp curve in Rollins Canyon just east of Rollinsville, Colo. The D&SL’s low-drivered 2-8-0s like No. 122 were ideal for its route, but not much good for heavier trains. Few lasted long after the 1947 merger with the Denver & Rio […]

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Lionel’s prewar competitors

box and train set

Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2000 issue of Classic Toy Trains. In celebration of Lionel’s 125th anniversary this year, we’re sharing it online.   The Lion has just entered the big-top for his first show. He has plenty of fight, although/ he’s no longer a sleek cub. His tail is a bit […]

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Broadway Limited HO UP Big Boy

Color photo showing smokebox front and headlight on HO scale steam locomotive. "Big Boy" written on front of smokebox; number boxes display "X4014"

Broadway Limited HO UP Big Boy Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Stealth (no sound), $749.99; with dual-mode Paragon4 sound decoder, $849.99 Era: 1941 to present (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports, 9 East Tower Circle, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; 386-673-8900; broadway-limited.com Broadway Limited HO UP Big Boy features: Back-electromotive-force decoder Built-in capacitor pack […]

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