Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

Roger Carp with Lionel no. 362 barrel loader

The year 1952 was a spectacular one for Lionel operating toy train accessories. An enduring favorite to come out of it was the no. 362 barrel loader. Professor Carp gives the history of the item and discusses changes and variations, while Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller looks at how it operates. You can get […]

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Professor Carp, with Roger Carp (Trailer)

Older caucasian male standing in front of a toy train layout.

Classic Toy Trains‘ own Senior Editor Roger Carp is returning to the role of Professor Carp. Roger hosts a video series that explores the histories and nuances of toy trains and the world of collecting — and sometimes repairing prized toy train equipment. Trains.com Unlimited members and video subscribers can see each episode. Only from […]

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The story behind developing smoke for toy-train locomotives

Front of an O gauge model steam locomotive on layout in night operation with smoke coming out of the stack next to interlocking tower.

The evolution of miniature locomotives has been long and steady for more than a century. The beginning, of course, involved using electricity to enable them to move without being touched. Next came the introduction of functioning lights to models of steam and electric engines as well as to trolley and motorized units. Everything that had […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Professor Carp, Episode 11: Lionel Operating Cattle Car and Corral

Roger Carp with Lionel Trains' post-war era Operating Cattle Car and Corral

Class is now in session! This period, Professor Roger Carp leads the lecture regarding the Lionel Trains post-war era Operating Cattle Car and Corral. CTT Editor Hal Miller also offers up insights on the operation of the beloved accessory. For even more info on the Cattle Car, read the March 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Trains.com Holiday Party: A Train Set from Christmas Past, Episode 5

Hal Miller and Roger Carp

As CTT Editor Hal Miller shares, getting a toy train set up and running for the holidays is a timeless tradition! And as CTT Senior Editor Roger Carp explains, getting your hands on an uncatalogued Lionel/MPC set from 1973 can be a special treat in the 2020 holiday season. […]

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Professor Carp: Episode 10, Lionel Automatic Refrigerated Milk Car and Platform

Join CTT Senior Editor Roger Carp, a.k.a. Professor Carp, as he shares insights on a post-war era Lionel Trains O gauge operating car. Learn about the history of the famed Automatic Refrigerated Milk Car and Platform, plus tips for making the car work properly! For even more info on the Milk Car, read the February 2021 […]

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Professor Carp speaks about fun, favorite Lionel freight cars

Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp and Editor Hal Miller talk about Lionel’s fun freight cars from the 1960s during the Feb. 28 show, Happy Hour! This is a recording of the live event. For more about Lionel trains of the 1960s, check out the new special issue. Watch what all the fun in […]

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Exploring Lionel trains of the 1950s: Illuminated Station Platform No. 157

Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp held court in a Facebook Live event on April 16, 2019, and answered questions about Lionel Trains of the 1950s from anyone on Facebook that day. We’ve uploaded a short discussion Roger had about a Lionel “Illuminated Station Platform” that had been a treasured piece of a co-worker’s […]

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