Some questions we get frequently are: “How do I lubricate my locomotives?” followed by “What type of lubrication should I use on them?” Here are some answers. And remember, when it comes to oil and grease on locomotives or other rolling stock, less is more. Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy answer for what to […]
Automatic knuckle couplers have been a part of model railroading for more than 60 years. Not only do these couplers look more like what you see on full-size locomotives and freight cars, they’re easy to install and use. You can learn more about them in my articles on HO and N scale couplers on Trains.com. […]
Jim Hediger, a member of the Model Railroader staff from 1972 to 2015, passed away on February 9, 2024 in Oconomowoc, Wis. Early years Jim was born in Chicago to Norm and Elenore Hediger. While in the Windy City, his father worked for the Grand Trunk Western. When Jim was 13, his family moved to […]
For Snow Week 2024, let’s head west to view operations at two tourist railroads running 2-8-2 Mikado-type steam locomotives during the winter. We’ll begin at the Sumpter Valley Railroad in McEwen, Oregon, before jumping to Nevada to chase the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Want to see and learn more about this class of steam locomotive? […]
In our latest Product Review video, we’ll head down to the quarry on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout to see the Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30 in action. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 2710; points out the […]
In our latest Product Review video, we’ll head down to the quarry on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout to see the Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30 in action. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 2710; points out the […]
The Lionel 2024 Big Book catalog is here! At 228 pages, there’s a lot of products to sort through. I’ve given it a good luck and have thoughts and observations. Maybe you do too. If so, leave a comment or send an email to editor@classictoytrains.com Roger Carp explained the history of when Lionel releases catalogs […]
Last month, I wrote about metal wheelsets offered in HO scale. In this guide to N scale metal wheelsets, I’ll cover the options available for those who model in 1:160 proportion. The case for metal wheelsets N scale wheelsets have come a long way since the 1960s and 1970s. For many years, Micro-Trains N scale […]
In the July 2005 issue of Classic Toy Trains, I wrote a story about adding MTH’s Digital Command System to medium- and large-sized layouts. Here are some other tips and tricks I learned when planning and physically installing wiring for DCS on my 19- by 19-foot O gauge layout. First, you should design your wiring […]
M.B. Klein, also known as Model Train Stuff, has announced their closure after 111 years in operation. This announcement was released on their website as well as on their social media channels. Uncertainty has surrounded Model Train Stuff following the closure of Hattons Model Railways, a United Kingdom-based model railways manufacturer and distributor which owned […]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The state legislature is considering a rail safety bill requiring railroads to be equipped with more safety features, limit the length and weight of trains carrying hazardous materials, and limit the time that trains can block major intersections while passing, according to a story aired by KRDO-TV. The bill’s sponsor, Colorado […]
Design a toy train layout — O, S, or Standard/Wide gauge — it requires above all making one fundamental decision. Each operator must decide what sort of look he or she wants the layout to have. To be specific, each modeler has to figure out the extent to which the layout, regardless of size or […]
