Menards Cripple Creek General Store review

Menards Cripple Creek General Store cowboy side view

Menards Cripple Creek General Store is the latest O scale structure for the apparently burgeoning fictional burg. Several of the company’s buildings, including a recently released interlocking tower, are “located” there. This one is a little different detail-wise from the others. It has more of an “old West” feel primarily due to the figures that […]

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Where can you purchase PIKO America track and turnouts?

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Cody explains where to order from in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about sourcing products for your model railroad, or would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where […]

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How to: Install LionChief app on your phone or tablet

Install the LionChief app locomotive and device

Here’s how to install the LionChief app on your smartphone or tablet and get the most out of your Bluetooth-equipped Lionel locomotives. 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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Railfan first aid kits

Man with hand raised to first aid kit.

Railfan first aid kits might be the furthest thing from your mind when planning a train-themed outing. One, however, might be among the most important — if you have a minor injury or a mild medical reaction to something you come across in the field. Trains.com exchanged questions via email with Robert W. Scott, Operations […]

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Track laying techniques are not tricky

A superelevation ramp made of cardstock and masking tape strips is taped to the outside of a curve of cork roadbed

Q: I’m an HO scale modeler and struggling with track laying techniques. I would appreciate guidance on measuring, cutting, and installing flextrack on curves. I’m always disengaging the rails from the ties, and thus having trouble connecting to the next track. Also, when superelevating curves, is it better to attach the risers under the outer rail […]

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What adhesive do you use to reposition figures on a model railroad?

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In the past, Cody reviewed a product (some sort of glue) that didn’t permanently bond … Cody explains what product that was in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on adhesives used in model railroading, or would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… […]

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7 great Lionel accessories from its golden years

Lionel operating gateman

These 7 great Lionel accessories from the prewar and postwar periods are the ones we think are the tops. This “best of” list is based on quality design, sturdy construction, and general appeal. Don’t agree with our list? Drop us a line at editor@ClassicToyTrains.com, and thanks for reading. There’s more information on many of these […]

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Where can I buy scale rules for garden railways, or trains in larger scales?

Plastic scale rules in 1:32, 1:24, and 1:22.5 scales

Q: In a recent Garden Railways e-mail there were 1:24 and 1:25 scale rules pictured. Are these available and from whom? –tinksdaddy, via email   A: Scale rules for garden railways: Ten years ago, there were many manufacturers offering scale rulers – frequently referred to as rules – in a variety of the larger scales. […]

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