News & Products for the week of May 13, 2021

Ron’s Books Plymouth Locomotives Vol. 1 cover

Books Plymouth Locomotives Vol. 1. Reprints of ads and brochures for Plymouth Locomotive Works. Includes Plymouth Mine-O-Motives, Plymouth Torqomotive, Plymouth bulletins, and MDT four- and six-wheel locomotives. Softcover, 86 pages. $35. Manufacturers’ Catalog Archive series. SilverLake Images LLC and Ron’s Books, 914-967-7541, ronsbooks.com Tools 21-piece mini tool set. Includes five hex-nut drivers, six slotted screwdrivers, […]

Read More…

Running American Flyer set no. 20740

Michael Marmer's Flyer set no. 20740

Name: Michael Marmer Railroad Name: D&K RR Location: Germantown, Maryland Scale: S Theme: Small town America Description: This is my childhood American Flyer Set that was for the family when it came out in 1958. I was 3 years old and I still remember it being set up and running in the house. I will […]

Read More…

How to rewire a Lionel RCS controller

Hands holding a 3-conductor cable

In this Classic Toy Trains How-to Minute, editor Hal Miller replaces the crumbling 3-conductor cable on a postwar RCS controller that goes with the Lionel No. 97 Coal Elevator. New 3-conductor cable is available from a variety of sources that deal in vintage toy train parts and the technique is applicable to a number of […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of April 29, 2021

Two model gas pumps

O scale details and accessories 1950s-1960s gas pumps. 1:43.5 scale. Laser-cut cardboard kit with nozzles, hoses, and volumetric display. Each pump measures .78” x .39” x 1.57”. Platform not included. Two-pack, $17.92. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Minifer, minifer.fr/en Tools Assorted machines squares. 4” ($19.99), 6” ($24.99), 8” ($29.99), and 10” ($34.99). Carbon […]

Read More…

Professor Carp, with Roger Carp (Trailer)

Older caucasian male standing in front of a toy train layout.

Classic Toy Trains‘ own Senior Editor Roger Carp is returning to the role of Professor Carp. Roger hosts a video series that explores the histories and nuances of toy trains and the world of collecting — and sometimes repairing prized toy train equipment. Trains.com Unlimited members and video subscribers can see each episode. Only from […]

Read More…

MR Insider: A Virtual Visit with Hal Miller and David Popp

Trains.com staff members Hal Miller and David Popp stand along CTT O gauge layout.

What’s better than hanging out with Hal Miller and David Popp in the Model Railroader / Classic Toy Trains Workshop? The chance to repeat the experience! Enjoy this full replay of their hour-long trackside/layout-side chat, which was originally presented as a livestream session during the World’s Greatest Hobby Virtual Show on Saturday, April 17, 2021. […]

Read More…

The story behind developing smoke for toy-train locomotives

Front of an O gauge model steam locomotive on layout in night operation with smoke coming out of the stack next to interlocking tower.

The evolution of miniature locomotives has been long and steady for more than a century. The beginning, of course, involved using electricity to enable them to move without being touched. Next came the introduction of functioning lights to models of steam and electric engines as well as to trolley and motorized units. Everything that had […]

Read More…

Bob’s Train Box Episode 69

Bob Keller in the MR workshop

Bob Keller is back with an all-new Bob’s Train Box, Episode 69! He and CTT editor Hal Miller take a look at Lionel’s new Vision Line Western Pacific GS-6 steam locomotive to see what makes this O gauge beauty tick (and whistle, and steam)! Bob also examines Menards’ O scale Amtrak station, the Guide to […]

Read More…

Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

Read More…