Lionel has released their Base3 control system, and CTT unboxes and tests the product. Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller offer some tips and tricks for operation, and demonstrate the Polar Express engine on the CT&T in-house layout. Read a review from Chris Montagna about the Base3. Learn more about this system at control.lionel.com Find […]
New Tracks Modeling has announced three scholarship winners of their New Track Modeling Mentoring Scholarship for 2024. Ethan Prasad Bernstein, who just completed his junior year and is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Ethan is the recipient of the scholarship sponsored by the Pacific Coast Region of the […]
New Tracks Modeling and O Scale Resource magazine have announced an O scale animated series of models, produced by CatzPaw Innovations LLC and Brennan’s Model Railroading. Preorders for the first model will be taken at the March 2025 O Scale Meet in Chicago, Ill. David Schultz is the chairman of the Modelers Advisory Committee for […]
Name: Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 10½ x 11 feet Track: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 31 to 60 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Ready Made Trains, Williams Rolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, Menards, MTH, Ready Made Trains, Williams Controls: MRC transformers (2) Accessories: K-Line, Lionel, Marx Structures: Bachmann, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, […]
As a collector of scale models, I typically focus on Lionel Legacy or MTH/Atlas Premier models. However, the MTH RailKing line also provides a great deal of scale (and non-scale) models at a lower price point. Announced in June of 2023 with six “livery configurations,” the USRA 0-6-0 arrived in July of 2024, a few […]
In my 20-plus years with Model Railroader magazine, I’ve written several how-to articles on airbrushing. Some have focused on using the tool to re-create models you can’t find on the shelf, such as “How to paint multi-color locomotives” in the September 2013 issue. Others, including “How to weather coal hoppers” in December 2012, have demonstrated […]
Locomotives & rolling stock Pat’s Trains has announced a custom-run MTH AC6000 engine as part of the Premier line. The engine features Proto-Sound 3.0, operates on O-42 curves, and is decorated in B&O livery. Two versions will be available, cab No. 7813 (20-21933-1, shown) and cab No. 7814 (20-21934-1). Expected delivery in August. Price: $549.99. […]
Have you ever wondered how a new boxcar is designed? When the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) product development team worked with Lionel to create the assembled-in-the-USA Krispy Kreme boxcar, the team encountered a new level of required detail. The team has always been sensitive to making sure brand logos met the companies’ design […]
The Atlas O Summer 2024 Premier catalog was released in late July. The 52-page publication features three models new to the manufacturer’s product lineup, including a General Electric (GE) C44-9W, an Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP38-2, and a Union Tank Car Co. Funnel Flow tank car. All of the items mentioned here are scheduled for release […]
“Christmas in July” is always a fitting time for Lionel Trains to release their Volume 2 catalog, and the 2024 edition continues to hold tradition. Much like the Classic Toy Trains team and contributors, I’ve decided to throw my hat into the ring with some thoughts and a fun, little wish list from Lionel’s 2024 […]
Kids of the 1950s loved Lionel’s little switch engines. The stubby proportions and whirling drive rods of these classics give them an industrious appearance as they scoot around a layout. Lionel produced them in a number of colorful and collectible variations. Did the prototypes really exist? Yes, at least in their initial releases. Lionel was […]
Joe Algozzini, perhaps the preeminent expert on Lionel trains and accessories manufactured during the post-World War II era (1945-69) has been contributing deeply researched and thoughtfully written articles to Classic Toy Trains since its second issue hit newsstands in the spring of 1988. To be honest, Joe was laying the groundwork for what became the […]
