O-gauge, 3-rail track buyer’s guide by manufacturers

Sections of track on table

The world of O-gauge, 3-rail track comes in three main choices: tubular, roadbed, and realistic. The next challenge is selecting the right brand from the many manufacturers — some still in business, others long gone — that will fit your wants and desires.     Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. Address: 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205 […]

Read More…

Polar Express five-day layout build

scene of toy train on holiday layout

The Classic Toy Trains staff built the Polar Express layout over a five day period, from benchwork to final scenery. The layout features scenes from the beloved movie, including the Hero Boy’s house, the train crossing the frozen river, and the city scene where the First Gift of Christmas is given. Staffers Hal Miller, Roger […]

Read More…

Install the LionChief app on your smartphone or tablet

Install the LionChief app all controls on the tablet interface

Learning to install the LionChief app on your smartphone or tablet is nothing to fear. Years ago, there was only one way to run our toy trains, and that was with a transformer. Today, we’re fortunate to have a lot of options to control our trains, including remotes that come with sets and smart devices […]

Read More…

Budget Christmas train layout for about $60 in scenery

Two people behind a small winter-themed toy train layout.

Looking for a budget Christmas train layout? Look no further. Classic Toy Trains Production Editor Rene Schweitzer and Digital Editor Steve Sweeney sort through garland, tinsel, ceramic buildings, and LED lights and more from Menards worth about $60. Watch them craft or place each piece for a winter-themed layout in less time than it takes […]

Read More…

Toy train smoke: Lots of scents available

Rene Schweitzer and Hal Miller with smoking O gauge steam and diesel lovomotives

Toy train smoke hijinx (and a minor train wreck) abound as Hal Miller and Rene Schweitzer try a variety of the scents in JT’s Mega Steam fluid line. The smoke fluids are now available from the Kalmbach Hobbystore. Rene and Hal discover with their tests that there’s a world of smells beyond coal and diesel […]

Read More…