Readers Choice RR urban extension

CTT-R0911_ASYMBOLS

Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 3 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-60 Originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Parts list Schematic […]

Read More…

Twin loops with a twist

CTT-C1011_APLAN

Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 6 x 12 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Twin loops with a twist track plan Twin loops with a twist schematic Twin loops with a twist components […]

Read More…

Model train set video demonstrations

MRR 021412 Walthers Trainline HO train set

Most model railroaders get started in the hobby with a ready-to-run train set. These sets include a locomotive, cars, track, and a power pack. In these videos you’ll see members of the Model Railroader magazine staff showing you how to set up and run some recently released model train sets. Are you new to the […]

Read More…

Build a table for a small model railroad

benchwork lead

Good plywood benchwork provides a solid foundation for a model railroad. There are many different ways to support your railroad, and they all fall under the general heading of “benchwork.” Benchwork can be just about anything. We’ve heard of one modeler who uses the top of his piano for his railroad so he can enjoy […]

Read More…

Focus On Classics with Roger Carp

Nov11-Webex_02

Our “Collecting” section of ClassicToyTrains.com is hosted by Senior Editor Roger Carp who is excited to share his knowledge and love of the classics, pre-and postwar trains, accessories, and the companies that produced them. Watch the video below for the latest Focus On Classics overview. […]

Read More…

Guide to model railroading scales and gauges

Image of model locomotives arranged by scaled size

You don’t have to spend much time with model trains to realize that they come in a number of different sizes. These differences are one of the things that make model trains so much fun because there are advantages to each size. Let’s take a look at them so you can think about which size […]

Read More…

Video: Athearn Genesis HO scale EMD GP9

This HO scale Electro-Motive GP9 diesel-electric locomotive features a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. The HO locomotive model is part of Athearn Trains’ Genesis series. See and hear the Athearn Genesis HO scale GP9 as we run the locomotive model on the Model Railroader club layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. […]

Read More…