Summer Camp 2023 | Day 5

Summer Camp 2023 | Day Five. Camp Director David Popp is wearing a hard hat because that means we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us. It’s clear that it won’t all be completed in five days this week… But no worries — We’ll extend our sessions into the weekend! Looking to keep up […]

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Summer Camp 2023 | Day 4

Welcome to Summer Camp 2023 Day Four. Today is an odds and ends kind of day, because we have all sorts of things to advance to the next level. Campers will get involved in detailing work, constructing part of the truck before painting the subassemblies, plus starting to paint the Sculptamold once that’s dry. Looking to […]

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Summer Camp 2023 | Day 3

It’s Day Three of Summer Camp, and David already has a bridge to show he’s having fun modeling while hidden away from the heat of the sun! Abutments await, as well as a truck building project to start this session. Plus, a few more surprises to keep things exciting! Looking to keep up with the […]

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Summer Camp 2023 | Day 2

Good morning, summer campers! It is time for Day Two of summer camp. Camp Director David has a couple of different little projects to do today, but then he’ll turn to one really big project — building a bridge. If you’re just arriving, then be sure to catch up by reviewing the Day One (1 […]

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Summer Camp 2023 | Day 1

Alright, campers! Go grab your gear, because Trains.com Summer Camp 2030 is finally here. Yup! The weather has turned warm enough that we’re in the basement doing some model railroading work. So unlike your other camps where you’re out canoeing and hiking and bug collecting, Camp Director David Popp is going to tackle model railroad […]

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A look at Menards 2023 Halloween village items

black pumpkin house

Have you seen the Menards 2023 Halloween village items yet? My husband and I have been waiting for them to show up on shelves, and this past weekend, they finally were out. There are a number of pieces you might like to add to your layout, and figures too. Without delay, here’s a look at […]

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Why do toy trains have track with three rails?

pieces of Lionel tubular track with blue engine in the middle

Why do toy trains have track with three rails? Q: Why are so many toy trains manufactured to use three rails? It seems to me that regardless of whether a train uses AC or DC, two rails are all that would ever be needed to deliver electricity to the locomotive. HO does just fine on […]

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Can I buy a Flyer and Lionel crossing track piece?

Can I buy a Flyer and Lionel crossing track piece? Q: Has anyone ever been able to develop a combination crossover to let two-rail American Flyer S gauge trains go through Lionel or other three-rail O gauge track without interrupting the current running through either track? – Dennis D. Orth, Burlington, Colo. A: Dennis, I’m […]

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Where do I find paint for toy train projects?

Two bottles of paint, one orange, the other yellow, in front of a white background

Where do I find paint for toy train projects? Q: I am looking to restore some of my trains. How do I get started? Where do I find the paint for the job? – Ray Fiorini, Endicott, N.Y. A. Ray, if you have a handy pile of CTT back issues or access to the online […]

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Why do the brass wheels on my Flyer tender spark?

black steam locomotive model with tender

Why do the brass wheels on my Flyer tender spark? Q: I have an American Flyer No. 300AC Atlantic 4-4-2 steam locomotive. The brass wheels (only on one side of each tender truck) spark badly when they roll along my vintage American Flyer track. Could you tell me if the wheels need regular cleaning? I […]

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How do I clean old Lionel trains?

Grouping of old toothbrushes

How do I clean old Lionel trains? Q: I have a number of Lionel locomotives, freight cars, accessories, and track sections that have been stored in boxes for 55 years. Everything is covered with dust and dirt. What’s the best way to clean these items without ruining the paint and detail? A: For cleaning Lionel […]

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How do I store my toy trains?

old blue toy trains next to cardboard boxes

How do I store my toy trains? Q: How do I package and store my Lionel No. 2343 F3 diesel, which I run only once a year around the Christmas tree? Other than in a dry spot, what is the best way to store it? – Sean Mitchell, Corning, N.Y. A: Sean, you’re on the […]

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