Starter set basics for toy trains

Lionel no. 82982 LionChief Christmas Express train set

Let’s talk about toy train starter set basics. Whether you’ve been away from the hobby for several decades or are buying a beginner outfit as a gift, you’re in for some fun! These packages have gone high-tech in the past few years but – fear not! – they still offer an easy, straightforward path to […]

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Make a Lake, Part 2 | Back on Track, Episode 19

Man standing over a model train layout wearing an apron.

Make a Lake, Part 2! In the previous video of this mini-series, host Gerry Leone launched an effort to add a realistic water feature to his HO scale Bona Vista RR. Now, he’s following up the groundwork and bridge construction by shaping the landforms along the shores. He also turns his attention to forming the […]

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Jason Shron’s Kingston Subdivision in HO scale

Kingston Subdivision in HO scale: Industry leader Jason Shron has successfully propelled Rapido Trains, Inc., into the model manufacturing spotlight. In this exclusive interview, you’ll get to see how his drive, dedication, and passion for the hobby is manifested in his own HO scale (1:87.1) Canadian-themed model railroad. Tour with Jason, as he walks the […]

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New model train exhibit at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Model Santa Fe diesel locomotive on tracks

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in Arizona announces a new exhibition featuring the story of how the transcontinental railroad transformed and built the American West. “The Railroad Opening Up the West” is now open to the public. Western Spirit contracted with members of the train clubs of Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park to undertake the design, fabrication, […]

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Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2022

Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2022

PLUS   Brass engine fix-up Taking the mystery out of brass Add a metal foundry An industry you can model Visit an iron ore hauler An inspiring 23 x 27-foot HO layout You’re the power desk Operating tips from the prototype Add a paved roadway Convincing concrete quickly Modeling a small town Operating possibilities abound […]

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Preview the May June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains

Hal Miller with the May June 2022 Classic Toy Trains cover

The May June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features Chris Raines’ layout and his YouTube channel, how to repair American Flyer’s no. 290 steam locomotive, a combination O gauge/Standard gauge layout, plus reviews of Lionel’s baby K4 steam locomotive and Menards hospital building, the latest new products, tips, and much more!   Subscribers can […]

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Make a Lake, Part 1 | Back on Track, Episode 18

By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]

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Layout Visit: Hans Schlegel’s Gogebic Iron Range in HO scale

In this visit to the Gogebic Iron Range, layout builder Hans Schlegel hosts an exclusive video tour of his HO scale (1:87) model railroad highlighting Chicago & North Western (C&NW) and Soo Line railroad operations under steam and diesel-power during the mid-1950s and early-1960s. Travel with Hans, as he takes you to faithfully modeled Michigan […]

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Midday Modeler 03.23.2022 — hosted by Cody Grivno!

Two men in front of a model train layout.

Midday Modeler 03.23.2022 — Welcome to another recorded LIVE Midday Modeler episode. This week, Cody Grivno hosts the live stream dream team on the HO scale MR&T layout inside Kalmbach Media’s Waukesha, Wisconsin studios. In the room beside Cody are Ben Lake and Vince Clore. Watch the guys take a look at the almost-finished Jones […]

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Scout plans train meet as fundraiser for club

GFW Trainfair flyer

A northern Illinois model railroader is using his – and others – love of the hobby as a Boy Scout project to raise funds for a large-scale railroad group to expand its facilities. George Werderich, who appears on the toy-train oriented GFW Trains Channel on YouTube, is organizing GFW Trainfair as a community service project […]

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Postwar and modern Lionel trains mix on this layout

Postwar and modern Lionel trains on Richard Shutt's layout.

Postwar and modern Lionel trains mix on Richard Shutt’s layout! The 21 x 24-foot O gauge display, featured in the March-April 2022 Classic Toy Trains, is built for operation. His lifelong interest in the Norfolk & Western Ry. matches a deep-seated fascination with trains and accessories from the post-World War II period. It also includes […]

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