The July issue of Classic Toy Trains features an O gauge layout built by a modeler and his twin sons. It’s based on sites in the Western U.S. their family has visited. For American Flyer fans, we’ll have a look at an S gauge layout made of vintage All Aboard modular panels. The he DIY […]
Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller prowls the dollar store aisles in search of inexpensive items that are useful on the workbench or layout. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tools Mushroom-handle pin vise. Steel and plastic construction with reversible collet. Accepts drill sizes no. 50 through no. 80. Measures 3-1/2” without bit. $8.99. Produced by Excel, available from the Kalmbach Hobby Store, KalmbachHobbyStore.com […]
Epoxy is a great adhesive for repairing a wide variety of materials. CTT editor Hal Miller heads to the workbench and gives tips on how to use 2-part epoxy to repair a broken postwar Lionel accessory in about two minutes! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
In this Workbench Minute Hal Miller shows how to remove the motor from a Lionel no. 97 coal elevator, clean the brushes, and lubricate the gearing. Then he puts it back together and gets the venerable accessory running again. […]
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 […]
