Jon Brooks fabulous O gauge pike video

Jon Brooks’ L-shaped O gauge layout is loaded with operating accessories from the past and present. The story of his latest railroad is featured in the February 2010 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine, and also the star of this video he posted on youtube.com Sit back and watch the action! […]

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Ray Mansfield’s O gauge layout video

The mid-1990s were a great time in toy trains full of changes in both the trains themselves as well as in command control. For Ray Mansfield, it was the time to launch work on the layout he had been waiting all his life to build. Watch the streaming video below demonstrating some of the exciting […]

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Norm Charbonneau’s Hi-rail Layout

In the November 2009 issue, Norm tells you how he built his locomotive servicing terminal to showcase big steam power. The cover story in CTT’s November 2008 HI-RAIL SPECIAL issue was on the stunning 19 x 22-foot layout created by Norm Charbonneau. A weathered Lionel New York Central L2a 4-8-4 Mohawk spins on the Bowser […]

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Scarce Lionel refrigerator and cattle cars

Scarce Lionel refrigerator and cattle cars are still out there. I know because I found a couple of them; being helpful put me in contact with the owners. 

It was an April evening when I returned home to find this message on my answering machine: “I have a train set that was purchased in 1941. Can you tell me what it’s worth?” I recognized the voice as belonging to an acquaintance that knew I collected Lionel trains. “Nice of the guy to call,” […]

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