A closer look at well cars

Color photo of weathered yellow well car with cherry blossom magenta and blue containers.

Q: I’ve noticed 53-foot intermodal containers on top of what I believe are 40-foot containers. What I’m not sure about is whether the smaller container is in a 40-foot well car or a 53-foot car? — David Bellamy A: The 40-foot intermodal container in the bottom position can be in a 40- or 53-foot well […]

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Atlas O Premier VIA Rail F40PH-2

close up of model locomotive

Watch a video of the Atlas O Premier custom-run VIA Rail F40PH-2 locomotive, as offered by Mr. Muffin’s Trains. This locomotive packs in a lot of detail and features like Proto-Sound 3.0 and O-36 operation. Read the product review of this engine from Contributing Editor Bob Keller. […]

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Atlas O Premier VIA Rail F40PH-2

close up of model locomotive

Watch a video of the Atlas O Premier custom-run VIA Rail F40PH-2 locomotive, as offered by Mr. Muffin’s Trains. This locomotive packs in a lot of detail and features like Proto-Sound 3.0 and O-36 operation. Read the product review of this engine from Contributing Editor Bob Keller. […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Interview with Stephen Nelson, Owner of Mr. Muffin’s Trains

Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson chats with Stephen and Liz Nelson, owners/operators of Mr. Muffin’s Trains in Atlanta, Ind. Throughout this remote-video interview, you’ll glean behind-the-scenes insights into the past, present, and future of the growing online operation with an intriguing brick-and-mortar location too! You can also read the transcript of this insightful interview with […]

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Atlas O Premier VIA Rail F40PH-2

silver, yellow, and green model locomotive on track

It is a crazy and wonderful O gauge market where a hobby shop can have Atlas O make a custom-run of an MTH locomotive in a contemporary Canadian livery! Well done to all involved in making this happen! Interesting origins After American railroads gave up on passenger traffic and a national passenger network run by […]

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7 ways to add more realism to your layout

yard with several model locomotives on track

Adding details that make a scene more interesting or increase operating potential can take your layout to a whole new leave of realism. Try one (or all) of the ideas listed below! Share your photos with us at editor@classictoytrains.com. Detail track and add lineside details Adding details to the right-of-way is an easy way to […]

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An interview with Mr. Muffin’s Trains

Husband and wife sitting together.

Mr. Muffin’s Trains of Atlanta, Ind., is a family-owned business that literally takes a family to keep the retail company going and growing — both in-store and online. Stephen and Liz Nelson (Mr. and Mrs. Muffins themselves) give us the scoop in this Q&A interview with Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson. Watch the insightful video […]

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Tips for modeling station signs

Color photo of gray metal building with doors, windows, and brick chimney.

Q: I’m working on adding lineside details to my freelance model railroad. I’d like to add station signs to help my operators identify various locations on the layout. Though I’m not modeling a specific prototype, I want the signs to look realistic. Where can I find information on prototype station signs? — Bobby T. A: […]

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Decade-plus of technological advancements in model locomotives

Color photo of N scale diesel locomotive mechanism.

Locomotives, regardless of scale, have always been at the forefront of technological advancements in model railroading. Over the past decade, this trend has accelerated: bringing in innovative features and enhancements that redefine the hobby. Whether they’re seen as trailblazers for the future or as models featuring nothing but “all the bells and whistles,” let’s explore […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for February 2025

green model locomotive

Locomotives & rolling stock E-Z Catch, 5 Tysen St., Staten Island, NY 10301, is selling a custom-run MTH Alco RS1 locomotive as part of the RailKing line (30-21283). The engine features Proto-Sound 3.0 and O-31 operation. Expected delivery in April 2025. Price: $409.85. Website: e-zcatch.com Metropolitan Division of the TCA (METCA) offers a custom-run MTH […]

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Lionel Legacy F19 Pacific

steam locomotive on layout

The F19 Pacific-type was distinctive for its air pumps lining the front of the smokebox. These steam locomotives were developed by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, and famously pulled the George Washington between Cincinnati and Washington D.C. One feature that made the train a stand out was the Pullman heavyweights that featured the route’s name […]

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Lionel postwar locomotive decals

Select Lionel postwar locomotive decals Lionel postwar locomotive decals

As the postwar era began for Lionel, concern for a more colorful, more highly decorative product was paramount, so Lionel examined different processes for decorating their trains. The tried and true methods (heat stamping and rubber stamping) were used to great success, but both had limitations. With heat stamping, a fairly flat surface was needed, […]

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