Methods to wiring your toy train layout

MTH’s Digital Command System transmits signals through the track system, unlike Lionel’s TrainMaster and Legacy systems, which transmit through the air.

It isn’t an exaggeration to observe that the CTT staff is frequently asked basic questions such as “How do I connect my power and lockon to the track?” However, we get even more questions related to adding operational capability beyond running one train in a circle – taking a step beyond the starter outfit. Aside […]

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Remembering Clinchfield Railroad locomotives

A train sitting on the tracks

Classic Trains editors are celebrating the heritage, history, and lore of famed (and infamous) railroads. In March 2020, we celebrate the Clinchfield Railroad. Please enjoy a collection of locomotive images located in the David P. Morgan Library archives at Kalmbach Media that include the Clinchfield’s iconic locomotives and classic scenic photos. You might also enjoy […]

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Tidewater transience

20200310

Two Geeps (center left) bring a train into Chesapeake & Ohio’s sprawling coal storage yard at Newport News, Va. Cars are stored here until needed at the nearby port facilities where they are mixed with various other grades of coal while loading into oceangoing vessels. Chesapeake & Ohio, John B. Corns collection […]

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West Virginia varnish

20200317

Western Maryland 4-6-2 No. 207 waits with train 1 at Thomas, W.Va., on April 29, 1951. From here, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, the train will run downhill through the Black Fork Gorge to Elkins. K. F. Merlin photo […]

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Southern steam

20200303

Gainesville Midland 2-10-0 No. 207 switches tank cars at Oconee Height, Ga., in April 1957, just northwest of Athens. The 1924 product of Baldwin was involved in a serious derailment in 1954, turning over in the incident. Philip R. Hastings photo […]

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Spying on SPUD

20200305

St. Paul Union Depot Co. Vice President and General Manager Harry P. Congdon looks out on a Chicago Great Western F unit from the top floor of the yard office. At the time, the station was busiest between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. with 22 arrivals and 21 departures. Arthur F. Hager photo […]

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Steam for speed

20200320

The clouds of smoke from double-headed steam locomotives illustrate a disadvantage to riding behind them — particularly with open windows. Here a troop extra rolls east of Staple Bend, Pa., on the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Pittsburgh–Philadelphia main line. Several distinctive troop sleepers are in the consist. Wayne Brumbaugh photo […]

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Tehachapi cab-forward

20200330

Southern Pacific 4-8-8-2 cab-forward No. 4203 works hard in pusher service on Tehachapi Grade near Woodford, Calif., in August 1948. SP commissioned the specially designed locomotives to minimize crews’ exposure to tunnels in the lengthy tunnels and snowsheds on its system, a benefit that did not always apply to locomotives further back in the train. […]

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Perishable pioneer

20200319

Fruit Growers Express helped pioneer mechanical refrigerator cars. This 55-foot, 60-ton car was built in 1957 and just had a new refrigeration unit installed before this 1975 photo. Jeff Wilson collection […]

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Red River revealed

20200316

Great Northern inaugurated the Red River connecting Grand Forks, N.Dak., and points east on June 25, 1950, as a four-car train. This view shows the spotless new coffee shop in the train’s observation car. Great Northern photo […]

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Santa Fe oddity

20200318

SD39 No. 4007 works freight on the Santa Fe at Las Cruces, N.Mex., in 1970. Only 59 of this 12-cylinder, turbocharged model were built for the Santa Fe; Illinois Terminal; Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern; and Southern Pacific. Chris Raught photo […]

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Sign of the times

20200325

A New York Central switcher pulls a string of loaded open-rack cars in the early 1960s. The auto rack car, introduced in 1960, quickly became popular and regained finished-auto traffic for railroads. J. David Ingles collection […]

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