The O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive personifies modern power

O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive

The O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive is a release that really captures the essence of modern rail power. This Legacy model has returned rather quickly to the train-maker’s catalog in 2022 with new road names. Those include several heritage paint schemes, like the Canadian National’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern livery shown in this video. With […]

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How do I repaint a Lionel 6462 gondola?

Ask Trains: I want to repaint and decal a New York Central 6462 gondola. How do I get the metal base off of the plastic shell?

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss techniques to repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola. To learn more about the car being discussed you can find more information about the car at postwarlionel.com. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size […]

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What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

optimal configuration for power and controls: I'm building a new model railroad and trying to plan ahead for more advanced multi-train applications in the future. Is TMCC (Train Master Command Control) still the way to configure power and controls? l've heard that Lionel is moving toward Bluetooth train control applications for phone and tablets.

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss the optimal configuration for power and controls in model railroading, and technological advancements in this field model railroad enthusiasts can expect to see soon. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? […]

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What are my old trains worth?

what are my old trains worth box of Lionel

Q: While cleaning out my late uncle’s attic, I found his stash of O gauge trains that I plan to run beneath my Christmas tree this year. Many of them say “Lionel” on the sides. Please tell me what they are worth. J.D., CA A: During the holiday season, many electric trains are dug out […]

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The Lionel Scout locomotive that meant ‘Christmas’

The Lionel Scout locomotive No. 1655 on a layout

The Lionel Scout locomotive has been for many an entry point to the toy train hobby. For me, it was the little engine that got me back into it. I’ve been in the toy train hobby for many years and have amassed an impressive collection of Lionel’s postwar F3s, Berkshires, Turbines, and other locomotives. But […]

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Meet David Popp

Meet David Popp: Balding middle-aged white male standing in front of a blurry painting of a steam train.

Meet David Popp What was your first train set? With a dad and grandfather both into model trains, I was surrounded by model railroading from an early age. The first train I can remember that I was given was a colorful plastic version of what we would now call Brio trains. It had silver-colored plastic […]

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What is causing contact issues on my Lionel O gauge layout?

Ask Trains.com: I have two problems with Lionel O gauge. First is the 153 block signal with a 153c contactor that you adjust the nut to go green to red. Second is a 140 Banjo signal with a 145c track contactor. When the train goes over it does nothing. The red light will come on. Of course the track is bolted down to the board so they can not pull apart. Can you tell me what is wrong? Lionel contact issues

Cody is joined by Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller to identify possible contact issues with a reader’s Lionel O gauge layout. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 3 | Cutting holes in things

Can’t you just tell by the pile of materials, supplies, and tools on David’s workbench? Progress is being made on the construction of his O scale (1:48) Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. But “change” is the name of this layout-building game! This time out David is really poking holes in his plans… all before he […]

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Spaces to Places III | Making a highway, part 2

Host Gerry Leone is making great inroads on his new roadway construction! In this episode, he’s all set to pave and finish the highway route defined in the debut of this relaunched exclusive Trains.com Video modeling series. But while he waits for the concrete roads to cure, Gerry shares his progress on a few other […]

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Spaces to Places III | Making a highway, part 2

Host Gerry Leone is making great inroads on his new roadway construction! In this episode, he’s all set to pave and finish the highway route defined in the debut of this relaunched exclusive Trains.com Video modeling series. But while he waits for the concrete roads to cure, Gerry shares his progress on a few other […]

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The Polar Express train set from Lionel in O gauge

The polar express from lionel

The Polar Express train set from Lionel in O gauge (and S, for that matter) evolves with the technology. The train itself, celebrating the Christmas book and movie, has been in the catalog for years. The train maker continues to find ways to keep it fun and fresh with each iteration. The latest version of […]

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