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What kind of transformer do I need to power 10 accessories? On my layout, I am adding a row of 10 operating accessories: nos. 164 log loader, 175 rocket launcher, 342 culvert loader, 345 culvert unloader, 352 ice depot, 397 coal loader, 445 switch tower, 456 coal ramp, 3356 horse car, and 3472 milk car. […]
Where do I find paint for toy train projects? Q: I am looking to restore some of my trains. How do I get started? Where do I find the paint for the job? – Ray Fiorini, Endicott, N.Y. A. Ray, if you have a handy pile of CTT back issues or access to the online […]
An October 15, 1950, fan trip on New York State short line Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville utilized every piece of rolling stock capable of carrying people the road could muster. In the consist were cabooses 1 (built by ACF in 1914) and 2 (a 1911 product of FJ&G’s own shops). Ed Theisinger photo […]
Facts & features Name: The Flushing & Brooklyn RRScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 3 x 6 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: Flushing Village, N.Y.Era: 1838Style: portable tabletopMainline run: 12 feetMinimum radius: 15″Minimum turnout: No. 5Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: open gridHeight: 34″Roadbed: noneTrack: Atlas sectional, Peco turnoutsScenery: Woodland Scenics ground foamBackdrop: painted plywoodControl: direct current Download a PDF of […]
Facts & features Name: Cascade & Twin Mountain RR Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 16′-6″ x 21′-0″ Prototype: freelanced Locale: Colorado Era: early 1960s Style: walkaround Mainline run: 247 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: 2.75% Benchwork: open grid Height: 54″ Roadbed: cork, Homasote in yard Track: code 100 flextrack Scenery: […]
Do I need to add a circuit-breaker? Q: I have three postwar Lionel ZW transformers powering my layout. Until recently, I have run only postwar Lionel motive power on it. Now I also have some newer MTH locomotives. I was cautioned by a fellow operator to install a circuit breaker that will trip instantly in […]
Why do the brass wheels on my Flyer tender spark? Q: I have an American Flyer No. 300AC Atlantic 4-4-2 steam locomotive. The brass wheels (only on one side of each tender truck) spark badly when they roll along my vintage American Flyer track. Could you tell me if the wheels need regular cleaning? I […]
How do I clean old Lionel trains? Q: I have a number of Lionel locomotives, freight cars, accessories, and track sections that have been stored in boxes for 55 years. Everything is covered with dust and dirt. What’s the best way to clean these items without ruining the paint and detail? A: For cleaning Lionel […]
What’s the best way to repaint an old Lionel steam locomotive? Q: What is the best way to repaint old Lionel die-cast steamer body shells and diesel frames? I have tried six times with no good result – the paint doesn’t stick very well. What kind of paint should I use? Do I need a […]
Why are my 1950s Lionel Geeps smoking? Q: I have a couple of Lionel Geeps from the 1950s. I took them out of the back and ran them for the first time in a long while the other night. All of a sudden, smoke started coming out of the cab windows. Are they junk now? […]
Fan won’t work on Lionel No. 3530 Generator Car Q: I’ve been have difficulty getting the “fan” to operate correctly on my Lionel No. 3530 Generator Car. It usually takes maximum transformer voltage, and even then the fan turns extremely slowly and stops on every full revolution. The vibrator motor has a rubber washer with […]
Q: I’d like some information about a Lionel tender numbered 234W and lettered for Lionel Lines. I can’t find any mention of this tender in Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel Trains. [Out of print–Ed.] Instead, the book shows a No. 243 engine with a tender numbered 243W. The tender is similar, but not the same. A: […]
