Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layout

A toy train track plan for Tom Kaiser's O gauge layout

Name: Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layoutDimensions: 10½ x 11 feetTrack: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 31 to 60 inches)Motive power:Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH Electric Trains, Ready Made Trains, WilliamsRolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, Menards, MTH, Ready Made Trains, WilliamsControls: MRC transformers (2)Accessories: K-Line, Lionel, MarxStructures: Bachmann, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Plasticville U.S.A., scratchbuiltVehicles: American Heritage Models, […]

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Buying used model trains on social media

Photo of HO scale model railroad boxes on white background.

There’s a robust market for secondhand model railroad products today. Hobby shops, online auction websites, and swap meets are a few of the typical places you can find used locomotives, freight cars, and structures, among other items. In recent years, sellers have taken to non-hobby channels for secondhand trains, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. […]

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Celebrating “Flyer Fest”

vintage photo of train on track

Editor’s note: This manuscript was purchased in December 1990 for Model Railroader magazine. Over the years, it made its way around the office and finally landed in my hands last fall. Dave Ingles was a friend of mine, and with his passing and my becoming editor of CTT, it seemed fitting to finally share his […]

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The American Flyer Freedom Train

red, white, and blue toy train engine

The concept of an American Freedom Train arose after WWII. It was a chance for Americans to reflect on their citizenship at a time when the United States was finding new roles in world affairs. The project was funded by donations and not at government expense. The American Heritage Foundation was created in 1947 to […]

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Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout

A toy train layout track plan from the Summer 2024 issue

Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches)Switches: Gilbert American FlyerMotive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American FlyerControls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformerAccessories: Gilbert American Flyer, MarxStructures: Atlas O, Plasticville U.S.A., Wm. K. Walthers Figures: Barclay, Ertl   […]

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Gary Wronkiewicz’s American Flyer layout

scene on toy train layout

At a glance Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches) Switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American Flyer Controls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformer Accessories: Gilbert American Flyer, Marx Structures: Atlas O, Plasticville U.S.A., Wm. K. Walthers Figures: Barclay, Ertl See more […]

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Gary Wronkiewicz’s American Flyer layout

scene on toy train layout

At a glance Name: Gary Wronkiewicz’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 10 x 16 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (diameters range from 40 to 80 inches) Switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: Gilbert American Flyer Controls: Gilbert American Flyer No. 12B transformer Accessories: Gilbert American Flyer, Marx Structures: Atlas O, […]

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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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Three rumors from the TCA Eastern Division York show

line of people waiting by door

While working the recent TCA Eastern Division York show, Roger Carp and I heard three rumors about the magazine. We’d like to share the questions–and answers–here. Classic Toy Trains is no longer printing issues Yes, we are still printing issues on a quarterly schedule. We also offer digital issues. If you’re a print subscriber, nothing […]

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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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An S gauge starter set oval with add-ons

drawing of layout

Layout designer: William Holt Scale: S Layout size: 3.5 x 6 feet Track type: MTH S-Trax Minimum curve: R-19 curve Originally appeared in the November 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains.   An S gauge starter set oval with add-ons An S gauge starter set oval with add-ons schematic An S gauge starter set oval […]

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How to put a price on toy trains

Lionel Rio Grande and Missouri Pacific 6464 boxcars], tends to attract attention

One of the most frequent questions Classic Toy Trains readers ask is, “What are my trains worth?” It’s hard to get an accurate answer. There are some key points to consider: Demand Toy trains’ increase in value depends on: • Are the cars well known throughout the hobby and therefore attractive to potential purchasers? • […]

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