Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader

Man at a desk with toy train accessory

Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader In 1948, Lionel introduced a new coal loader that needed just one track and a dump car to run. Senior Editor Roger Carp explains the history of this coal loader, what was included in the box with your purchase, and how it changed over the years. He explains what makes […]

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Where can you find auto production parts?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno answers the question about finding auto production parts for a Roundhouse Ready-to-Roll HOn3 2-Truck Shay. If you’re looking for old parts or models, or you want to learn more about full trains, send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com. And if you have other sources for Pete to find gears for his Roundhouse Shay, leave […]

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Lionel Legacy Boston & Maine No. 801 SW8 locomotive

Lionel SW8 switcher locomotive

Lionel Legacy SW8 locomotive Lionel has released an SW8 switcher locomotive in its Legacy line. Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller gives you a first look at this engine, which is loaded with extra details like a fan-driven smoke unit, operating couplers, unique number boards, a bell, a single smokestack, two horns, and so much […]

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New HO layout at Milwaukee museum available to the public

Kids visiting layout at Discovery World.

HO layout at Milwaukee Museum: Discovery World CEO Bryan Wunar speaks to Trains.com staff about Discovery World’s new HO scale model train layout. Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for their emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and exhibits. Regarding this exhibit, Wunar says, “Trains and railways embody technological advancements from around […]

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Midday Modeler 03.02.2022

Two men talking near a model railroad layout.

Midday Modeler 03.02.2022 — In this installment of Midday Modeler, David Popp gives a hearty update on the progress on the Jones Island portion of the MR&T HO scale layout along with Cody Grivno. Later in this Midday Modeler 03.02.2022 episode, David visits the Model Railroader workshop to talk with Classic Trains Editor Brian Schmidt […]

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