A small, simple, and amazingly sensible plan

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Layout designer: Kent Johnson, for the May 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel tubular track Minimum curve: O-31   See a PDF version of this track plan by clicking here. See a PDF version of the schematics by clicking here.   […]

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Tri-level O gauge track plan

CTT-C0311_APLAN3

Layout designer: Ray Stuber Scale: O Layout size: 6 x 10 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the March 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Benchwork Track plan Lower level schematics Lower level parts list Main level schematics […]

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Two trains, one main line, no crashes

CTT-D0511_PLAN

Layout designer: Don Miller Scale: O Layout size: 8 x 15 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Two trains, one main line, no crashes track plan Two trains, one main line components […]

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All about the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry.

The goal of this six-part layout construction series is to provide new hobbyists with a 4 x 8-foot permanent O gauge layout using contemporary tracklaying, wiring, and scenery-making techniques. Since a toy train set can be a wonderful entry point for new hobbyists, the origins of this logging-themed layout stem from a current Lionel starter […]

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Review: Atlas O Phase II F3 diesel

PR0711_Missouri-Pacific

Many years ago I read an article about railroad roundhouses in North Dakota. The article made the point that they were located about every 100 miles because steam locomotives continually shook themselves apart and needed to have maintenance before they could be reused. Well, that made sense of a sort. And since even smaller engine […]

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Review: Ballast King O gauge ballast spreading car

PR0711_Ballast-King-Car

How do you put down ballast on your O gauge railroad? Depending on the scope of the project, I may use either a plastic cup – or a cut-open one-gallon water jug filled with ballast. I pour it down on the track and then use a paintbrush for general shaping and tamping, and maybe an […]

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Review: Lionel O gauge Trackmobile car mover

PR0711_Lionel-Trackmobile

Not long ago, businesses that received or generated moderate levels of rail traffic called the local railroad for switching duties. Others had their own switcher. Other firms with less, though steady traffic had another recourse for motive power: the Trackmobile.First developed in the late 1940s, the Trackmobile was a dream come true for firms with […]

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MTH O gauge Premier line GE U25B

PR0711_2-locos

You know I’m not sure if I ever saw a General Electric U25B diesel locomotive operating in revenue service. Oh, back in the day, I have a hazy memory of perhaps seeing one in a backshop deadline, although that may have been another four-axle GE model. But during my prime railfanning period (1978-85), I believe […]

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Denver Union Terminal

Denver Union Terminal

Name: Denver Union Terminal Layout designer: Frank Czubryt Scale: O (1:48) Size: 24 x 32 feet Prototype: freelance Locale: Denver to Palmer Lake, Colo. Period: 1980s to present Style: walk-in Mainline run: 96 feet Minimum radius: 48” Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 1 percent Originally appeared in the Great Model Railroads 2008. Click on […]

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