Download the track plan for this layout. […]
Lionel Fastrack components
Scale: O Scale
Sean Morgan’s O gauge Hellertown & Delaware layout
Name: Sean Morgan’s O gauge Hellertown & Delaware layout Dimensions: 18 x 20 feet with a central opening for viewing and running trains Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 60 to 72 inches) Motive power: Lionel Legacy, MTH, 3rd Rail Sunset Models Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Controls: Lionel ZW-L […]
Keeping your layout clean and operational
As modelers we take pride in our work, especially our layouts, whether they be a shelf layout, or a sprawling rail empire. One thing that we may not spend enough time doing, however, is taking care of said layout, especially cleaning it. We may run a track cleaning car around the mainline a few times […]
The Atlas O Premier Snow Plow rolls out
The Atlas O Premier Snow Plow is here, and just in time for winter! It seems like whenever a fresh delivery of blue Atlas boxes hits the hobby shop shelves it’s like Christmas morning. I feel this way for two reasons: first, Atlas produces some of the finest rolling stock in the industry; and second, […]
The Lionel Union Pacific Rocket Booster Train
The Lionel Union Pacific Rocket Booster Train is finally out, and as an aerospace engineer formerly employed by NASA, this set hit home! I knew I had to have it the second I saw it advertised in the Lionel 2022 Volume 1 catalog! The set isn’t a work of science fiction, either. The prototype Rocket […]
Getting small: the Bobber Caboose comes to Lionel
The Bobber Caboose comes to Lionel with the 2022 Volume I catalog. Although new to the Orange & Blue, these models aren’t an entirely rare site on O gauge layouts since they were previously produced by MTH Electric Trains. Lionel purchased the tooling for these cars from MTH during the latter’s sell-off a few years […]
Woodland Scenics O scale traffic lights hit the streets
Chris from Chris’s Trains and Things on YouTube is back and checking out some new products from Woodland Scenics. He has the company’s much-anticipated traffic light system that looks great on any road. There are three different options, including suspended, pedestal, and mast-arm mounted versions. They are part of the Just Plug system that makes […]
The Lionel Legacy 0-6-0 switcher has some tricks up its sleeve
The Lionel Legacy 0-6-0 switcher has a great feature set for a steam engine this small. Strasburg Rail Road’s No. 31 has immortalized in this run of the locomotive. Really, the hype for the heritage railway was the story of the Lionel 2021 Volume 2 catalog, all courtesy of the brass-hybrid offering of 2-10-0 No. […]
Model railroad snow plow rolling stock
In model railroad snow plow rolling stock round-up, we thought it would be fun to take a look at models of snow fighting equipment available in N, HO, and O scales. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Rather, it’s a look at some of the ready-to-run models and a few kits that […]
The Trippy and Polar Express trolleys from Lionel
The Trippy and Polar Express trolleys from Lionel get put through their paces by Chris Montagna from the Chris’s Trains and Things YouTube channel. These were announced in the January 2022 Big Book. Both of them are really fun to have on your layout and different displays. What’s so special about these trolleys? They’re small, […]
Lionel Vision Line Norfolk & Western Class A
The Lionel Vision Line Norfolk & Western Class A has finally arrived, fresh from the Volume 1 2022 Lionel catalog. I have to say, this beautiful steam locomotive does not disappoint! This isn’t a rehash of the previous 2-6-6-4 model available in the Volume 1 2000 catalog. Thanks to all-new tooling, this engine is fresh […]
Quick takes on the Lionel 2023 Big Book catalog
The Lionel 2023 Big Book catalog is out. I just had a quick flip through it and here are my first impressions. I’ll tell you right off, this isn’t an exhaustive treatment and I can’t cover everything. Nor will you find any mention of the prices of these things. As I’m frequently inclined to say, […]
