Jack Hedge O gauge layout

model train with smoke on layout

Jack Hedge, a lifelong O gauge enthusiast and talented layout builder, created the fictitious city of Hedgerton for his three-rail display. His layout features four loops and includes contemporary steamers and diesels from just about everybody, including Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, Right-of-Way Industries, 3rd Rail, Weaver, and Williams. Jack outlines what he installed, beginning with […]

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Steve Metken’s O gauge layout

overview of toy train layout

Steve Metken’s O gauge layout was inspired by a 1950s Lionel Display Layout. This 9 x 17 1/2 foot layout features Lionel tubular track; accessories by American Flyer, Corber, Lionel, and MTH, and lots of fun! Looking at the O gauge layout Steve Metken has constructed to showcase his postwar trains leaves no doubt this […]

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Menards Santa Fe starter set unboxing and reveal

red and silver engine on table

CTT Product Review | Menards Santa Fe Train Set | 10-13-2023 | Menards has released an all-new, complete ready-to-run O gauge electric train set! Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller unbox the Menards Santa Fe O gauge starter set, examine the features of the components (track, trains, and control system), […]

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Grand Strand Model Railroaders O gauge layout

scene on large O gauge layout

Grand Strand Model Railroaders, based in South Carolina, built a 12′ x 18′ O gauge layout using GarGraves flextrack and Ross Custom Switches. Even better, this layout is open to the public in the Myrtle Beach Mall! Watch a video highlighting this layout here. Thanks to Ken Kilby for the video footage. See the track […]

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LEGO Brick cleaning basics

Trains.com staffers Bryson Sleppy and Rene Schweitzer explore the world of LEGO trains! In this video, the pair examine practices for keeping bricks of all sizes and shapes as clean as possible. Looking for more information on LEGO trains? Find additional videos under Classic Toy Trains’ LEGO trains category! […]

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Polar Express five-day layout build

scene of toy train on holiday layout

The Classic Toy Trains staff built the Polar Express layout over a five day period, from benchwork to final scenery. The layout features scenes from the beloved movie, including the Hero Boy’s house, the train crossing the frozen river, and the city scene where the First Gift of Christmas is given. Staffers Hal Miller, Roger […]

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An autumn O gauge layout

autumn o gauge layout by Walt Urban

O gauge modeler Walt Urban created a medium-size three-rail empire with an autumn theme. Colorful trees on the mountains suggest fall has arrived along the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., with postwar and modern Lionel trains to enjoy in beautiful settings. See it in the September-October 2023 issue. […]

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Visit a modern layout with a prewar feel

Visit a modern layout

Lifelong O gauge modeler Russ Boersma took his accumulated knowledge and roster of postwar and modern-era trains to develop a great new layout. While the trains might be up to date, the display has a fun and retro vibe. Check it out in the September-October 2023 issue! […]

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LEGO City 60197 Passenger Train – Part 1: Building the locomotive

Model Railroader‘s Bryson Sleppy and Rene Schweitzer review the LEGO City 60197 Passenger Train set. Follow along as they build the station platform, signal, and the train’s locomotive. They go through the set book by book, bag by bag, and show tips, tricks, and building techniques along the way. This is Part 1: Building the locomotive. Look […]

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The Lionel Sandy Andy gravel loader in action

Hal Miller with Lionel sandy andy gravel loader

The Lionel Sandy Andy Automatic Gravel Loader was one of a kind. This 1970s accessory didn’t last very long in the catalog and there might be a few reasons why. On the other hand, it’s an exceptionally engineered product in certain ways and takes full advantage of physics! It’s all plastic and free of batteries […]

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