A collectible Lionel Milwaukee Road freight set

Collectible Lionel Milwaukee Road Freight set

Here’s the story behind this magnificent O gauge no. 810/2273W Lionel Milwaukee Road freight set. It was one of the finest outfits cataloged by the company for 1956. Click here for a history of the Milwaukee Road. The brand-new no. 2378P and 2378C F3 A-B locomotive combination headed the train. The powered A and unpowered […]

Read More…

Lionel Santa Fe set pays tribute to the Super Chief

Hal Miller with a Lionel Santa Fe set.

A close-up look at the O gauge Lionel Santa Fe set featuring the Super Chief passenger train (no. 6-84719). There’s a reason it’s a perennial catalog favorite. This entry-level LionChief outfit comes with everything you need to get started in the hobby including a great-looking passenger train, an oval of track, and a remote control. […]

Read More…

Mandy Patinkin’s layout and toy trains

Overview shot of a model train layout

In the October 2000 issue of Classic Toy Trains, photographer William Zuback and I photographed performer Mandy Patinkin’s layout. We spent a couple of days with he and his family. Joining us was Rich Roman, whose highly successful layout building firm, East Coast Enterprises, was responsible for much of the design and look of Mandy’s […]

Read More…

Issue preview: January 2022 Classic Toy Trains

Hal Miller with the cover of the 2022 January Classic Toy Trains issue preview

The January 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features advice on modelling winter from Dennis Brennan, a master of scenery and photography. You’ll also learn at least five other design and construction techniques from him that could improve your display! Plus there are multiple layout visits – including one in S gauge – filled with […]

Read More…

Meet the Modeler: Peter Atonna

A scene on Peter Atonna’s layout

    Hi-rail O gauge modeler Peter Atonna’s work last graced the cover of Classic Toy Trains in October 2017, but his relationship with the magazine goes back at least two layouts to the May 1997 issue. His current one, the detail-packed Seligman & Paulden Lines, showcases the best of long passenger and freight trains […]

Read More…

Bob’s Train Box Episode 76

Bob Keller in the workshop with a Santa hat on for Bob's Train Box 76

We’re celebrating the happy holidays on Bob’s Train Box 76! In this installment, Bob Keller and guest Hal Miller look at new Menards buildings including the Ray’s Wrecker building flat. They also examine the O gauge Lionel Super Chief LionChief set. In addition Bob relates a story and a reminder about those oddball train gifts […]

Read More…

Bob’s Train Box Episode 76

Bob Keller in the workshop with a Santa hat on for Bob's Train Box 76

We’re celebrating the happy holidays on Bob’s Train Box 76! In this installment, Bob Keller and guest Hal Miller look at new Menards buildings including the Ray’s Wrecker building flat. They also examine the O gauge Lionel Super Chief LionChief set. In addition Bob relates a story and a reminder about those oddball train gifts […]

Read More…

2021 Holiday toy train photo gallery

Christmas tree with trains and décor around it

A 2021 holiday toy train photo gallery is just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit. Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com […]

Read More…