January 2022

January 2022 issue cover

Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 8 LETTERS, pg. 12 NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14 Atlas O container, weathering materials MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 17 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, pg. 20 COLLECTIBLE CLASSICS, pg. 22 VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 23 S GAUGE THEN NOW AND THEN, pg. 24 GREATEST FIND, […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 75

Bob Keller in the studio for Bob's Train Box 75

Bob and regular guest CTT editor Hal Miller have a look at MTH Trains’ new SW1 switcher. Check out the review in the January 2022 issue. The host also lights up Atlas O holiday boxcars, and shows some of his collection of railroad signs plus others available at Kalmbachhobbystore.com. […]

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Meet the Modeler: Neal Schorr

A train on Neal Schorr's layout

Neal Schorr’s work has appeared numerous times on the cover of and inside Classic Toy Trains, as well as in our sister publication Model Railroader. He’s an excellent modeler and equally good with a camera. His Pennsylvania RR-themed layout is loaded with scale detail and memorable scenes based on actual locations. Questions & answers My […]

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A visit to Len Smith’s O gauge Reading layout

Len Smith's layout and the cover of the November 2021 Classic Toy Trains

Take a ride on Len Smith’s O gauge Reading RR featured in the November 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Modern locomotives and rolling stock plus great scenery make this layout a terrific tribute to his favorite fallen flag. Have a look at the track plan here. […]

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Lionel Area 51 set a spooky and fun train

Chris Raines with Lionel Area 51 set

Get a look at the Lionel Area 51 set (no. 2123160)! Chris Raines of RBP Trains on YouTube reviews this spooky and fun O gauge train outfit. First is a close look at the GE “ET44” Tier 4 Bluetooth-controlled locomotive and the array of cars. Then Chris takes it for a spin on his great […]

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Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces

Toy Train Layout for Small Spaces issue cover

Plus much more! Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces, pg. 6 Compact layouts have always been a part of the hobby. Get started on one now. Modest beginnings, pg. 7 Where so many of us got started with our toy trains Small workhorse: CTT’s City Transfer & Terminal, pg. 8 This multi-role 5 x 9-foot […]

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Richard and Mary Kay Doolittle’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Richard and Mary Kay Doolittle’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 51/2 x 201/2 feet Track and switch: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 42″ to 54″) Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern) Rolling stock: Lionel (postwar, modern), MTH Controls: Lionel no. 22983 180- watt PowerHouse power supply with Legacy command control Accessories: Department 56, […]

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Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 30 x 54 feet Track and switch: GarGraves, Lionel (diameters range from 72 to 120 inches) Motive power: American Flyer, Atlas O, Ives, K-Line, Lionel (all eras), Marx, MTH, Weaver, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, Ives, K-Line, Kusan, Lionel (all eras), Marx, MTH, […]

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