Explore the vibrant lithography and nostalgic charm with our latest layout tour, as featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine! Join life-long collector Walt Hiteshew, as he operates his 8½ x 17½-foot O gauge display, filled with Marx tinplate treasures winding around hand-sculpted mountains, across a custom-built viaduct, and bustling through village streets […]
Lionel Trains has released its 2026 catalog. The 172-page catalog includes new items from the VisionLine, Legacy, LionChief, Harry Potter, and Battery O lines. Highlights include a number of semiquincentennial locomotives and rolling stock, including a 4-4-0 brass hybrid steam locomotive (No. 2631620), a Legacy T1 American Freedom Train in two versions (Nos. 2631430 and […]
Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com See even more holiday photos! […]
A holiday toy train photo gallery is just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit. Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge (with some bonus N and large scale trains). If you have a photo you’d like […]
Bob and Diane Zwieg’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 13 feet Track and switches: K-Line, Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Controls: Lionel, Model Rectifier transformers with Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Accessories: Department 56, Lemax, Lionel […]
Lionel’s No. 7-12124 Battery-Powered Harry Potter Train Set is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the wonderful hobby of toy trains. How do I know this? Because I used this exciting and entertaining passenger set to introduce my two young grandsons (ages 6 and 4 years) to operating electric trains. Believe me when I […]
What do I collect? I collect original prewar trains in Standard and Wide Gauge, i.e. 2 1/8”. Lionel created the gauge in 1906, and called their trains the “Standard of the World.” Soon, Standard gauge caught on as a label, possibly to differentiate from other gauges at the time. When the Ives Toy Co. modified […]
In the December 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains, then-Editor Neil Besougloff presented his design for a “three times around the tree” layout. It has since become a favorite with many readers and has inspired several holiday layouts. We’re presenting Neil’s original plan, featuring Lionel O-42 tubular track curves, a tunnel, and a 45-degree crossing. […]
Trains.com Insider Exclusive Interviews | Lionel Trains LLC — Go inside the legendary Lionel Trains LLC headquarters in Concord, North Carolina, with Classic Toy Trains editor Rene Schweitzer, as she explores intriguing places and the key people bringing your favorite products to life. Take a quick look around, and then check out these exclusive, full-length […]
Also in this issue: 90+ must-see destination layouts! A handy location map! And more! […]
The idea of a custom run product — a manufacturer creating a special item for a retailer not sold in its catalog — is nothing new. Custom toy train products have existed for more than 100 years. “Custom run cars filled a gap in the market,” said Contributing Editor Bob Keller. “Manufacturers generally [produced products […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer as she visits Lionel Trains, LLC headquarters and speaks with Audio Engineer Tracey Schroeder about the often-overlooked world of model train sound. Tracey reveals the meticulous process of capturing and creating the authentic sounds you hear in Lionel Trains, from steam whistles and bells to diesel prime movers […]
