The Bachmann Spectrum three-truck Climax geared locomotive includes a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. Watch us run the HO scale model on the Model Railroader club train layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. You can also read a complete review of this locomotive model. […]
Section: Modeling
American Flyer track plan

Layout designer: Jim Zare Scale: S Layout size: 5 x 10 feet Track type: American Flyer S gauge Minimum curve: 20-inch radius Originally appeared in the December 2003 issue of Classic Toy Trains. See a PDF version of this track plan by clicking here. […]
An S gauge experience

Layout designer: Jay Reese Scale: S Layout size: 12 x 16 feet Track type: American Flyer S gauge Minimum curve: 20-inch radius Originally appeared in the November 2000 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Second place winner of Classic Toy Trains magazine’s first layout planning contest: Plans for a 12 x 16-foot room. Click on this […]
Build a lightweight S gauge layout

Layout designer: Don Thompson and Mike Ferraro, S-Helper Service Co. Story and photos: V. S. Roseman Scale: S Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: S-Helper Service S-Trax Minimum curve: S-40 Originally appeared in the January and February 2006 issues of Classic Toy Trains. Build a lightweight O gauge layout Build a lightweight O […]
The case of the disappearing train

Layout designer: Peter H. Riddle Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 12 feet Track type: Lionel O gauge tubular Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Track plan Schematic Parts list Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. […]
Mid-sized layout with a compact yard

Layout designer: Kent Johnson and Dana Kawala Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 10 feet Track type: Atlas O Minimum curve: O-45 Originally appeared in the February 2008 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Plan a point-to-point layout

Layout designer: John Penca Scale: O Layout size: 17 x 29 feet Track type: Atlas O Minimum curve: O-54 Originally appeared in the September 2009 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Plan for the “classic operator”

Layout designer: John Rusterholz Scale: O Layout size: 12 x 16 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the July 2008 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Running & switching on a FasTrack loop

Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 12 x 16 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-60 Originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Modelers Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for March 31, 2011

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Happy April Fools! This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to model patched-out freight cars without having to do any masking. New products include an N scale GP15-1 diesel locomotive from Atlas, HO scale 77-foot Pullman Standard chair cars from […]
Modelers Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for March 31, 2011

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Happy April Fools! This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to model patched-out freight cars without having to do any masking. New products include an N scale GP15-1 diesel locomotive from Atlas, HO scale 77-foot Pullman Standard chair cars from […]
Mineral Point & Northern

Name: Mineral Point & Northern Layout designer: Steve Worack and the Progressive Model Design staff Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 5 x 12 feet Prototype: MP&N Locale: Mineral Point, Wis. Era: 1917 Style: island Mainline run: 12 feet Minimum radius: 40″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: level Originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of […]