Spring TCA York 2022 show report

Spring TCA 2022 York show

Spring TCA York 2022 notes from the field. CTT Editor Hal Miller visits the April 28-30 Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association event in York, Pa. He checks out the O, S, and Standard gauge trains and talks to some of the personalities at the show, including YouTubers Chris’s Trains & Things, Sid’s Trains, […]

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Frank Vodvarka’s layout has something for everyone

Frank Vodvarka's layout

Frank Vodvarka’s layout, the 23′ x 27′ Eclectic Empire, is featured in the May-June 2022 Classic Toy Trains. It’s colorful and entertaining, with pre- and postwar Lionel and other O- and Standard gauge trains from the U.S. and abroad. Plus it has accessories, figures, and structures from multiple eras and manufacturers like Bayko, Britains, Bassett-Lowke, […]

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Postwar and modern Lionel trains mix on this layout

Postwar and modern Lionel trains on Richard Shutt's layout.

Postwar and modern Lionel trains mix on Richard Shutt’s layout! The 21 x 24-foot O gauge display, featured in the March-April 2022 Classic Toy Trains, is built for operation. His lifelong interest in the Norfolk & Western Ry. matches a deep-seated fascination with trains and accessories from the post-World War II period. It also includes […]

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O gauge realism is Herb Lindsay’s legacy

O gauge railroad yard with trains.

O gauge realism is Herb Lindsay’s legacy. One of the landmark layouts featured in Classic Toy Trains over the years has been the O gauge model railroad designed and built by the late hobbyist and his talented wife and fellow modeler, Dagmar Lindsay. How articles about Herb’s realistic tribute to railroading in central Pennsylvania during […]

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Large scale indoor club layout

view of a small large-scale layout

  This large scale indoor club layout started life as a custom build of a local large-scale collector. The 8-by-11-foot board had been unused for at least a decade and I immediately knew where this display would be best displayed — at the 7.5” gauge, 1.5” scale live-steam train club that I belong to. Many […]

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Budget Christmas train layout for about $60 in scenery

Two people behind a small winter-themed toy train layout.

Looking for a budget Christmas train layout? Look no further. Classic Toy Trains Production Editor Rene Schweitzer and Digital Editor Steve Sweeney sort through garland, tinsel, ceramic buildings, and LED lights and more from Menards worth about $60. Watch them craft or place each piece for a winter-themed layout in less time than it takes […]

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Budget Christmas train layout for about $60 in scenery

Two people behind a small winter-themed toy train layout.

Looking for a budget Christmas train layout? Look no further. Classic Toy Trains Production Editor Rene Schweitzer and Digital Editor Steve Sweeney sort through garland, tinsel, ceramic buildings, and LED lights and more from Menards worth about $60. Watch them craft or place each piece for a winter-themed layout in less time than it takes […]

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Some of your favorite toy train Christmas scenes

Model steam engine in Christmas scene

Vintage toy trains in winter holiday scenes bring feelings of nostalgia. Relive the nostalgia with this selection of both current and vintage holiday-themed photos in O and Standard gauge scales. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com […]

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