Get your old trains running again! It’s time to take them out of the boxes and have some fun. In this chapter from Beginner’s Guide to Repairing Lionel Trains, Ray L. Plummer offers advice on how to do it. Get your old trains running again “Old electric train” – that’s what it says on the […]
Giving your trains a permanent home starts with building a train table. Here are two popular construction types: butt-jointed and L-girder. We’ll show you how to build a simple 4 x 8-foot train table using both techniques. Modelers have been using these method since the early years of the hobby. In fact, the information and […]
For the past several years I’ve enjoyed building a small toy train Christmas layout for the holiday season. I challenge myself to develop a new track plan every year. By using O-27 tubular track, I’ve been able to come up with a variety of interesting track plans that fit nicely under my Christmas tree. This […]
CTT is providing 20 tips to improve your layout. Hobbyists in O and S gauge are always looking for ways to make their displays better. These are simple and anyone can use them. Looking for a track plan for your next layout? 20 tips to improve your layout 1. Learn about the new technology in […]
An easy Halloween project for your O gauge railroad is sprucing up a store-bought holiday item to add to your layout. With a few supplies, you can complete this project. It’s appropriate for all skill levels, too, so the kids can help! While browsing the Halloween section at Menards, my husband found some fun décor […]
A small S gauge layout can give a lot of play value. For proof, check out John Mansueto’s layout in the November-December 2022 issue. It’s like many of the compact O and S gauge layouts spotlighted in Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces, the 2021 special issue from Classic Toy Trains. Spare bedrooms, garage stalls, […]
A small S gauge layout can give a lot of play value. For proof, check out John Mansueto’s layout in the November-December 2022 issue. It’s like many of the compact O and S gauge layouts spotlighted in Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces, the 2021 special issue from Classic Toy Trains. Spare bedrooms, garage stalls, […]
BNSF 2022 Model Railroad Photo Contest Model railroaders, it’s time to show off your layouts featuring BNSF or predecessor trains! Post photos or short videos of your model railroad to your Instagram account or in the Friends of BNSF Facebook group no later than midnight Central time on Sunday, Oct. 16. Be sure to include […]
How to re-stencil reporting marks: If you’ve waited at a grade crossing recently, you’ve probably noticed many freight cars with their original reporting marks painted out and new ones applied. This is done because the car’s ownership has changed. Since repainting an entire freight car is costly, patching over old reporting marks is an accepted […]
Help celebrate CTT’s 35th Anniversary in the Nov.-Dec. 2022 issue! The cover features a specially painted set of Lionel F3s done by Len Carparelli. His business, L&L Model Train Restoration Co. celebrates a milestone anniversary of its own; we have a look at some of his work over the years. Of course, there’s also a […]
Name: John Mansueto’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 7 x 11½ feet Track and switches: Gilbert American Flyer (maximum diameter is 54 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, MTH, S-Helper Service Controls: Lionel types RW and ZW transformers, MTH nos. Z-750 […]
What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is […]
