Classic Toy Trains new products May 2024

black and red model diesel

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH has a series of Christmas items as part of their RailKing line. Available items include an O gauge Railing Alco PA A unit diesel (30-21253, $399.95, shown), an ES44AC Imperial diesel engine (30-21238, $399.95), a 4-car double-door plugged boxcar set (30-70131, $349.95), and much more. Delivery expected in October 2024. […]

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Structures buyer’s guide in O and S scales

model gas station

Even the smallest layout needs at least a few structures on it. We’ve compiled a list of manufacturers offering products in O and S scale. We’ve noted each manufacturer’s contact information, what type of structures, the material(s), and if the kits are lighted. Please contact the manufacturer directly if you have questions about their products. […]

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Charlie Bailey’s O gauge layout

scene on toy train layout

Charlie Bailey is passionate about toy trains. He collects Standard gauge (modern reissues from Lionel and MTH) and takes pride in the wonderfully detailed and expertly wired O gauge railroad filling much of the lower portion of the home he shares with his wife, Jane. We’re thrilled to be able to tour Charlie Bailey’s 42 […]

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Classic Toy Trains April 2024 new products

black and orange model engine

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH has a series of Halloween items as part of their RailKing line. The O gauge ES44AC Imperial Diesel Engine (20-21237) has Proto-Sound 3, 2 handpainted cab figures, illuminated LED number boards and ditch lights, O-31 operation, and more. Price: $439.95. Also available is a Bump-n-Go Trolley (30-5243), which features LED […]

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MTH announces four holiday flatcars

snowmen on flatcar

MTH Electric Trains has announced four holiday-themed flatcars in 1:32 scale for 2024. Each car features metal wheels and axles, choice of knuckle or hook and loop couplers, Kadee compatible coupler mounting pads, separate metal handrails, and more. Each car features colorful lighting. Price: $199.95. Learn more at https://mthtrains.com. Find more news on our website. […]

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Greg Bird’s O gauge layout

Name: Greg Bird’s O gauge layoutDimensions: 6 x 16 feet Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (36-inch diameter) Motive power and rolling stock: Lionel, MTHControls: Lionel 180-watt PowerHouse power supply with Legacy command control Structures: Atlas O, Korber, Lionel, scratchbuiltVehicles: Diecast DirectFigures: Arttista   Download the track plan for this layout! Buy the Classic Toy Trains Spring […]

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Neal Mayer’s O gauge layout

Name: Neal Mayer’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 12′-0″ x 27′-3″ Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 27 to 36 inches) Motive power: K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams by Bachmann Rolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams by Bachmann Controls: Lionel No. CW-80, MTH No. Z-1000 transformers with MTH Digital Command System Structures: Atlas O, Korber, […]

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Jack Hedge’s O gauge layout

A toy train layout trackplan

Please note: Due to a technical glitch in our software, the camera angles for this track plan did not appear in the Spring 2024 issue. We’re sharing that image here. We apologize for the omission. – Ed. Name: Jack Hedge’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 23 x 24 feet Track: GarGraves (diameters range from 72” to […]

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4 components to consider before building a layout

buildings on a model layout

You’ve learned a few things about toy trains, and maybe even bought a few items or pieces of track. You have a spare room and would like to build a layout. What’s next? Before you start building, we’ve got a list of what to consider first. No. 1 Consider your space Consider the room or […]

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O gauge three-truck Shay from MTH

black steam locomotive mode;

Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Model Railroader Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy explain the history, features, and operate the O gauge three-truck Shay from MTH. Read the print review here. Learn more about the history of the Shay.     […]

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A 12×20-foot Christmas winter wonderland layout

Christmas winter wonderland layout: Donald and Miriam Pruter 12 x 20-foot O gauge Christmas layout

A version of this article appeared in the December 2017 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Whenever Classic Toy Trains features a layout distinguished by snowy scenes and Santa Claus plus his reindeer, readers naturally assume whoever built it did so while a blizzard raged and icicles formed on eaves and downspouts. They can’t help envisioning […]

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