Josef Lesser, one of the pioneers of realistic “hi-rail” modeling with new and vintage Lionel trains, has died at the age of 83. Joe contributed to the growth of the toy train hobby as a modeler and author. His landmark O gauge layout, the JL&ATSF Railroad, was featured prominently in Classic Toy Trains throughout the […]
Magazine: Classic Toy Trains
Classic Toy Trains, February 2020
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Roots run deep
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How to build a fleet of toy train engines
A few years ago I addressed this topic with a two-pronged approach: a little philosophy that might help you shape your fleet and some practical physical elements to ponder before you plunk down your credit card. Let’s take a quick refresher. Bob’s Rules for Locomotive Buying are pretty simple: One: A toy train is not […]
J. Shepherd Dog food Factory from Menards
Bill Zuback J. Shepherd Dog food Factory from Menards Price: $99.99 (no. 279-4494) Features: Fully assembled and decorated, six figures and Jack the dog, warning lights, animated sign, loading dock, and train run-through. For illumination the factory requires a Menards 4.5-volt power supply, sold separately. Website: www.Menards.com/Trains There are probably a thousand potential industries that […]
Menards gondolas are the ultimate budget cargo carrier
Bill Zuback photo Price: $19.99 Road names currently available: Baltimore & Ohio (blue, orange, and white), CSX (yellow and blue), Chicago & North Western (black and yellow with North Western logo), New Haven (orange, black, and white), Pennsylvania RR (Tuscan red and white with keystone logo), Santa Fe (silver and red with logo), Soo Line […]
The Lionel O gauge Legacy A6 Atlantic, Illinois central No. 1003
Bill Zuback O gauge 4-4-2 Atlantic from Lionel Price: $799.99 (no. 1931200) Features: Die-cast metal construction, wireless tether, tender coil coupler, illuminated cab, adjustable smoke output, Lionel Legacy command and sound systems, Odyssey II speed control, Bluetooth capable for LionChief universal remote or LionChief app Low speed (conventional): 5.5 scale mph Low speed (command mode): […]
Product Palooza live streaming event (CTT segment only)
This segment features a new structure from Menards! […]
Product Palooza live streaming event (entire event)
This hour-long event features products from Menards, Walthers, and PIKO America. Watch the entire event here! […]
Details make the difference on your layout
Follow along and build the CT&T, a 4 x 8 logging-themed project layout. The staff will walk you through the process, including working with foam board, laying track, wiring, scenery, and much more. Track plans using Lionel FasTrack, Atlas O 21st Century track, and MTH RealTrax are included. This package contains 31 pages from six […]
A freight starter set from Lionel that anyone can enjoy
Bill Zuback O gauge Minneapolis & St. Louis Diesel Super Freight Set by Lionel Price: $229.95 (no. 30155), $74.99 (no. 30157 two-car add-on set) Features: Alco RS-3 diesel with single can-style motor, diesel horn, boxcar, tank car, caboose, 40 x 50-inch loop of Lionel FasTrack, PowerMax 40-watt transformer For some reason, most starter sets seem […]
Southern Pacific’s Golden State meets the Sunset Limited
Name: Robert Mayer Forum User Name: bobntrains Railroad Name: San Diego 3 Railers, Paradise & Pacific, Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum Location: San Diego Ca., Scottsdale Az., Tucson Az. Scale: O Theme: Southwest Description: This video takes the viewer on a journey with Southern Pacific’s Golden State and Sunset Limited through the southwest. […]
