John Mansueto’s small S gauge layout

two level S gauge track plan

Name: John Mansueto’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 7 x 11½ feet Track and switches: Gilbert American Flyer (maximum diameter is 54 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, MTH, S-Helper Service Controls: Lionel types RW and ZW transformers, MTH nos. Z-750 […]

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What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

Ask Trains logo

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is […]

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What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

Ask Trains logo

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is […]

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Woodward Dream Cruise series 1 from Greenlight Collectibles

Drawing of the side of six classic cars in multiple colors

Woodward Dream Cruise series 1 Scale: 1:64 Price: Single-sale car, $6.99; six-pack, $41.94 Era: 1967-1969 Manufacturer: Greenlight Collectibles 5901 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN., 46278, 317-287-0600, greenlighttoys.com Features: Chrome accents Die-case metal chassis Rubber tires Scale details Limited edition   Paint Schemes: 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible (blue and silver), 1967 Shelby GT500 (scarlet and gray), 1968 […]

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SoundTraxx Blunami sound decoders

Computer chip wrapped in white heat-shrink

Blunami sound decoders Scale: HO and small S scale models Price: $169.95 Manufacturer: SoundTraxx, 141 Burnett Dr., Durango, CO 81301; 970-259-0690; soundtraxx.com SoundTraxx Blunami features: Dimensions: 41.9 x 18.8 x 6.8mm Six function outputs 2 Watt, 8-Ohm load audio amplifier 16 sound channels Maximum motor stall current of 2A Maximum function current of 100mA per […]

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CTT September October 2022 issue preview

CTT September October 2022 issue preview

The September-October issue of Classic Toy Trains features an O gauge layout you can visit: Trains Over Texas! This professionally built display teaches the public about the topography and geology of the Lone Star state and has modern-era Lionel and MTH O gauge trains running through detailed scenes. Also in this issue is a Marx […]

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Choosing a command system

A LionChief set power supply with FasTrack terminal section

When choosing a command system, you may encounter starter sets from three current train makers: Lionel, MTH, and Williams by Bachmann. The Bachmann sets have conventionally controlled locomotives and are operated by a traditional power supply, where speed is manipulated with a dial or lever raising or lowering track power. Lionel LionChief sets feature locomotives […]

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Railroad publisher Don Heimburger passes away

Don Heimburger

Longtime model and prototype railroad publisher and author Don Heimburger passed away June 10, 2022, at his home in the Chicago area. He was 75. An avid model railroader, he started S Gaugian magazine when he was 15 years old. He worked as a newspaper reporter while earning a journalism degree from the University of […]

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Tom Barker’s S gauge layout in action

Tom Barkers S gauge layout

Tom Barker’s S gauge layout is inspired by a vintage American Flyer dealer display. It features a lot of action and fun! It appears in the July-August issue of Classic Toy Trains. Subscribers can see how he built the circular four-tier structure that’s the centerpiece of the layout here. […]

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