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Magazine: Classic Toy Trains
Reviewed: Lionel’s new no. 2219W Lackawanna “Thunderbird” set

ANYONE WHO HAS READ MY REVIEWS OVER TIME knows I have one simple mantra about reproductions of vintage trains. Simply put: “New is better.” So starts Bob Keller’s review of Lionel’s no. 2219W Lackawanna “Thunderbird” set, one of the new “Lionel Postwar Authentics – Conventional Classics.” Older trains (postwar or even prewar) are simple, rugged, […]
Reviewed: MTH Premier line O gauge U30C

AMONG THE FIRST SIX-AXLE LOCOMOTIVES that caught my eye were the big General Electric U-boats, notably the U30C and its kin. The U30C was, of course, a six-axle 3,000-horsepower titan fielded by GE, and it has been credited with helping to push GE into the number two slot in “dieseldom.” More than 590 were built, […]
Overview of the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry.
Watch video of this logging-themed 4 x8 project railroad, the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry. […]
Scarce Lionel refrigerator and cattle cars

It was an April evening when I returned home to find this message on my answering machine: “I have a train set that was purchased in 1941. Can you tell me what it’s worth?” I recognized the voice as belonging to an acquaintance that knew I collected Lionel trains. “Nice of the guy to call,” […]
Classic Toy Trains, March 2009
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Reviewed: O gauge Interurban set by K-Line by Lionel

After reading the following review, be sure to watch streaming video of this set in action. YOU CAN STILL SEE THE TRACES HERE AND THERE. A section of back road with the unmistakable appearance of a tree line and a long-gone grade crossing; perhaps a concrete overpass converted into a bike trail years ago; or […]
Reviewed: O gauge Premier line Flying Yankee by MTH Electric Trains

PASSENGER TRAIN PATRONAGE DECLINED SHARPLY DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION, but a few forward-thinking railroads had the vision to try revolutionary ways to boost ridership, while reducing some of the overhead costs of train operation. After reading the following review, be sure to watch streaming video of this set in action. Fielded by the Budd Co., […]
K-Line by Lionel O gauge interurban car set

The O gauge North Shore two-car interurban set by K-Line by Lionel retails for $229.99 (no. 22287-1). It features two can-style motors, interior decoration and illumination, directional lighting, and passenger sound effects. […]
MTH’s Premier line O gauge Yankee Flyer

Below, you can watch a streaming video of MTH’s O gauge Premier line Flying Yankee streamliner in action. It features O-72 operation, two can-style motors, interior illumination, ProtoSound 2.0, and retails for $699.95. […]
Video: O gauge boxcab electric by K-Line by Lionel

In the March 2009 issue of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS, Bob Keller reviewed this O gauge boxcab electric, by K-Line by Lionel. […]
Lionel diesel horns
Q: I’m having problems with my postwar Lionel diesel horns. One is in a no. 2343 Santa Fe F3 and the other is in a no. 2331 Virginian Train Master. Both locomotives are in like-new condition, and though I know I can buy a replacement horn, I’d like to keep them original and get the […]