Lionel’s model of the Pennsylvania RR’s N5c caboose has been a favorite since it was first added to the catalog in the 1950s. CTT’s Professor Carp details the history of these toy train stalwarts, shows some of the other roadnames and colors in which it was produced, and explains why one variation is worth far […]
Visit Ken Cook’s layout, featured in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Ken mixes postwar Lionel trains with modern track, structures, details, and scenery to create a one-of-a-kind display that entertains your eyes, ears, and imagination. Click here to see the track plan. […]
O gauge locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP40 diesel locomotive. CSX (yellow, blue, and gray scheme), Denver & Rio Grande Western (black and orange with large “Flying Grande” lettering), Penn Central (black and white in two road numbers, with red “C” in one number), Port Harbor (First Responders scheme in one number), and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow […]
Those little packets of silica gel that come in model train and other boxes are there for a reason – to keep moisture away from your valuable items. Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller tells you how they work and where you can get more if you’ve thrown yours away. […]
The year 1952 was a spectacular one for Lionel operating toy train accessories. An enduring favorite to come out of it was the no. 362 barrel loader. Professor Carp gives the history of the item and discusses changes and variations, while Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller looks at how it operates. You can get […]
O scale structures The Printing House. Laser-cut cardboard low-relief kit. Includes blank sign and detailed instructions. Measure 9.84” x 3.14” x 8.26”. $172.11. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Minifer, minifer.fr/en […]
Thrift stores can hold a wealth of treasures for hobbyists, if you know where to look. I have suggestions of which departments to look for items for your layout. I suggest going into a store with an open mind. For just a few dollars and a maybe a bit of paint, you might find something […]
John’s layout appears in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. It features tremendous trackwork and wonderful scenery (see the plan here), in addition to some spectacular modern trains. Watch and hear freight and passenger consists work their way around it. […]
Frank Sinatra’s O gauge railroad included many collectible pieces as well as everyday items. They were all colorful and fun to the legendary singer and his family. As noted in the November 2015 Classic Toy Trains, members of the Sinatra family believe he was introduced to the hobby by visiting the home of big-band leader […]
Robert Weaver, who established Quality Craft/Weaver Model Trains with his wife, Shirley, in 1965 and over the next half-century manufactured plastic and brass O gauge two- and three-rail locomotives and rolling stock, died on August 7, 2021, at the age of 93. The Weavers launched their business in Northumberland, Pa., and eventually came to specialize […]
Menards Santa Fe O gauge locomotive program is underway. Asking some 200 people to take a chance on this new product is bold. To request they test it on their layouts and report what the maker got right — and more importantly, wrong — takes even more guts. It is something I’ve never heard of […]
On this episode of Bob’s Train Box, Bob and CTT editor Hal Miller have a look at Menards’ new O gauge Santa Fe F3 locomotive and find a lot to like about it when they run it on a layout! Bob also examines the visual advantage of controlling trains using apps on tablets and smartphones […]
