Ken Cook’s O gauge layout

A traditional Lionel layout with modern scenery

Visit Ken Cook’s layout, featured in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Ken mixes postwar Lionel trains with modern track, structures, details, and scenery to create a one-of-a-kind display that entertains your eyes, ears, and imagination. Click here to see the track plan. […]

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Ken Cook’s O gauge layout

A traditional Lionel layout with modern scenery

Visit Ken Cook’s layout, featured in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Ken mixes postwar Lionel trains with modern track, structures, details, and scenery to create a one-of-a-kind display that entertains your eyes, ears, and imagination. Click here to see the track plan. […]

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News & Products for the week of September 2, 2021

CSX Electro-Motive Division GP40 diesel locomotive

O gauge locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP40 diesel locomotive. CSX (yellow, blue, and gray scheme), Denver & Rio Grande Western (black and orange with large “Flying Grande” lettering), Penn Central (black and white in two road numbers, with red “C” in one number), Port Harbor (First Responders scheme in one number), and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, scenery, and electronic/control announcements for September 2, 2021

Rock Island 50-foot modernized PS-1 double-door boxcar

Product news Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of September 2, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division E1A and E1B diesel […]

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How to keep rust off your trains

Hal Miller with a water-damaged locomotive box

Those little packets of silica gel that come in model train and other boxes are there for a reason – to keep moisture away from your valuable items. Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller tells you how they work and where you can get more if you’ve thrown yours away. […]

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How to keep rust off your trains

Hal Miller with a water-damaged locomotive box

Those little packets of silica gel that come in model train and other boxes are there for a reason – to keep moisture away from your valuable items. Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller tells you how they work and where you can get more if you’ve thrown yours away. […]

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Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

Roger Carp with Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

The year 1952 was a spectacular one for Lionel operating toy train accessories. An enduring favorite to come out of it was the no. 362 barrel loader. Professor Carp gives the history of the item and discusses changes and variations, while Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller looks at how it operates. You can get […]

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Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

Roger Carp with Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

The year 1952 was a spectacular one for Lionel operating toy train accessories. An enduring favorite to come out of it was the no. 362 barrel loader. Professor Carp gives the history of the item and discusses changes and variations, while Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller looks at how it operates. You can get […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, structure, electronics, and DVD announcements for August 26, 2021

Canadian Pacific “clone” United States Railroad Administration 40-foot boxcar in varying schemes.

Product news Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of August 26, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP40 diesel locomotive. New […]

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Thrift stores have cheap stuff for your train layout

Three ceramic Christmas buildings

Thrift stores can hold a wealth of treasures for hobbyists, if you know where to look. I have suggestions of which departments to look for items for your layout. I suggest going into a store with an open mind. For just a few dollars and a maybe a bit of paint, you might find something […]

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A visit to John Staschak’s O gauge layout

Overview of John Staschak's toy train layout with superimposed cover of September 2021 Classic Toy Trains

John’s layout appears in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. It features tremendous trackwork and wonderful scenery (see the plan here), in addition to some spectacular modern trains. Watch and hear freight and passenger consists work their way around it. […]

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