Facts and features Name: Rice Lake, Dallas & Menomonie RRScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 8 x 30 feetPrototype: Soo LineLocale: northwestern WisconsinEra: early 1950sStyle: walkaroundMainline run: 50 feetMinimum radius: 30″ (main), 18″ (branch)Minimum turnout: No. 5 (main), No. 4 (branch)Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: L-girderHeight: 44″Roadbed:1∕2″ plywood covered with 1∕2″ HomasoteTrack: Atlas code 100 flextrack, Peco and Atlas turnoutsScenery: […]
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Facts and features Name: Colorado & Southern Clear Creek DistrictScale: 1:72Size: 40 x 52 feetPrototype: Colorado & Southern Clear Creek DistrictLocale: Denver to Rocky MountainsEra: 1920sStyle: Double-deck linear walkaroundMainline run: 725 feet plus branch lineMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 3%Benchwork: open gridHeight: 30″ to 70″Roadbed: cork on insulation boardTrack: code 70 and 83 […]
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This week’s “look back” is an early CTT product review from the Fall 1988 issue of the MTH 2-4-2 reproduction Lionel 263E locomotive. Look at that price–seems like a deal these days for a new engine. Dick Christiansen compared the engine to an original one owned by Andy Sperandeo. It’s interesting to note the color […]
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The plan is simple: a long loop-to-loop (folded dog-bone) single-track line. There are several passing sidings to allow three trains to be on the line at the same time with a long run between return loops. Wireless controls are always nice, but a classic Lionel type-ZW transformer with a switch control panel board is really […]
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Do you have any information, including a wiring diagram, that can help me wire my Lionel No. 450 Operating Signal Bridge using AC relays? Thanks! — Fred Richmond As Lionel operators certainly know, the 450 Signal Bridge, which was designed to span two lines of track, is equipped with two signal heads. They have bayonet-mounted […]
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My layout, The “Casey” Line, was published in the September 2021 Classic Toy Trains. My 30-year project was based on reading a boxful of 1950’s Model Railroader magazines and compiling a list of the best features on model railroads from those articles. Fortunately, I was able to include all the scenic features recommended in those […]
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Name: Neal Schorr’s Pennsylvania RR Middle DivisionGauge: O scale (1:48)Dimensions: 38 x 45 feet (maximum dimensions)Track: Atlas O code 215 three-rail flextrackTurnouts: Atlas O, Ross Custom SwitchesMotive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Golden Gate Depot, K-Line, Lionel, WeaverControls: Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Structures: Atlas O, DPM, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuilt, Wm. K. WalthersFigures: Arttista, Woodland […]
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Name: Gary King’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 11½ x 13½ feetTrack and switches: American Models (diameters range from 42 up to 60 inches)Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper ServiceRolling stock: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel, S-Helper ServiceControls: Gilbert American Flyer, Model Rectifier Corp. transformersAccessories: Gilbert American Flyer, MTH Electric Trains, Wm. K. WalthersStructures: […]
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Q: I’m building a layout based on the early Burlington Northern in Idaho. I’ve seen a number of photos of renumbered locomotives and cabooses. Most have white numbers and reporting marks, but I’ve seen a few prototype photos online with the data in black. Did BN have a standard font and size for renumbering equipment, […]
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Most model railroaders strive for accuracy in the construction of their model railroad layout. Of course there are modelers who do not, and of course “accuracy” means different things to different modelers, but broadly, accuracy, in one form or another, is the target for most model railroaders. When constructing their model railroad layouts, many modelers […]
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I’m a huge fan of commuter services, and that definitely includes Chicago’s Metra. So when I heard that Atlas was releasing Metra Nippon Sharyo gallery cars in HO scale, I had to get my hands on some. Since Metra runs a push-pull operation, the Type 8500 cab car gets as much time leading trains as […]
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I’m trying to troubleshoot a Lionel No. 624 Chesapeake & Ohio NW2 diesel switcher from the 1950s. The motor seems to short out, even after I spent time cleaning out the dried grease from long ago. All I get now is a grinding noise, and the locomotive barely moves. What do you think is the […]
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