MTH DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WTIU)

man and woman in a workshop

Classic Toy Trains‘ Editor Rene Schweitzer and Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson unbox and demonstrate the new DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WTIU) from MTH. This long-awaited digital command system is an all-in-one system that is easy to set up and use. Learn the pros, cons, and watch a short demo of the unit!   […]

Read More…

Lionel Thomas & Friends battery operated starter set

woman and man next to toy train set

Classic Toy Trains‘ Editor Rene Schweitzer and Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson unbox and demonstrate a battery-operated O gauge starter set from Lionel. This Thomas & Friends set comes with Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, accessories, plastic track, and a remote control. Learn what you’ll need to get this set up and running in no time. Read […]

Read More…

Lionel Thomas & Friends battery operated starter set

woman and man next to toy train set

Lionel Thomas & Friends battery operated starter set Classic Toy Trains‘ Editor Rene Schweitzer and Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson unbox and demonstrate a battery-operated O gauge starter set from Lionel. This Thomas & Friends set comes with Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, accessories, plastic track, and a remote control. Learn what you’ll need to get this […]

Read More…

What color is sky blue?

Color photo of man in denim shirt and blue jeans wearing personal protective gear painting tempered hardboard.

Q: My light blue-gray walls look fine to the naked eye, but not so good in photos. Are there some tried and true formulas for the major paint brands that are a reliable “sky blue” for model railroad backgrounds? — David Provost A: Model railroaders have long asked “What color is sky blue?” when painting […]

Read More…

Lionel Nos. 43 and 44 boats

The year was 1933, and the Great Depression was in full swing. Lionel was touting the new “Chugger” sound mechanism in its locomotives and still cataloging the landmark Nos. 396E Blue Comet and 411E State passenger sets. On the back page of the consumer catalog, Lionel introduced something new and unlike anything it had offered […]

Read More…

Lionel Thomas and Friends Battery Operated Train set

toy train set components in a plastic container

Since the television launch of Thomas the Tank Engine in the 1980s, this anthropomorphised steam locomotive has become a worldwide phenomenon. It likely would be difficult to find a child who doesn’t recognize Thomas’ round face and expressive eyes. Lionel is no stranger to Thomas products; they started selling the O gauge version in 1993. […]

Read More…

Starting Your Own Garden Railroad

A model train led by a steam locomotive crosses a bridge on an outdoor garden railroad

Garden railroading is a popular subsection of the model railroading hobby, and for good reason. One of the most limiting factors for building a functional track or train station is available space. Many people don’t have one or more entire rooms to spare for a model railroad layout. Garden railroading, however, takes that layout and […]

Read More…

Building a T-Trak module | Basic Backdrop Painting

In this helpful, introductory effort, David Popp shares simple and easy techniques for adding a scene-extending background/view block to a model railroad. While the planning and painting steps are all demonstrated on his N scale (1:160) T-Trak module, David’s explanations and efforts can certainly be applied to other layouts or displays of any scale! If […]

Read More…

The Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad Display in O gauge

Name: Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad DisplayGauge: ODimensions: 20 x 27 feetTrack: GarGraves (maximum diameter is 84 inches)Turnouts: Ross Custom Switches Motive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd RailControls: Lionel CW-80 transformers (13)Accessories: Coaster Dynamics, Department 56, LionelStructures: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuiltVehicles: Eligor, Ertl, Matchbox, SolidoFigures: Arttista, Preiser, Woodland Scenics […]

Read More…

Trainz purchases Glenn Snyder Display Systems

logo with piece of track

Trainz has purchased the existing inventory and rights to manufacture the famous aluminum train display shelving from Glenn Snyder Display Systems. GSDS are a self-contained extruded aluminm display shelf available in a combination HO/S gauge, O gauge, or combination O/Standard gauge/gauge-1 sizes. Trainz will warehouse and ship the shelving from its new Oakwood, Ga. facility. […]

Read More…