News & Products for the week of April 29, 2021

Two model gas pumps

O scale details and accessories 1950s-1960s gas pumps. 1:43.5 scale. Laser-cut cardboard kit with nozzles, hoses, and volumetric display. Each pump measures .78” x .39” x 1.57”. Platform not included. Two-pack, $17.92. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Minifer, minifer.fr/en Tools Assorted machines squares. 4” ($19.99), 6” ($24.99), 8” ($29.99), and 10” ($34.99). Carbon […]

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Professor Carp, with Roger Carp (Trailer)

Older caucasian male standing in front of a toy train layout.

Classic Toy Trains‘ own Senior Editor Roger Carp is returning to the role of Professor Carp. Roger hosts a video series that explores the histories and nuances of toy trains and the world of collecting — and sometimes repairing prized toy train equipment. Trains.com Unlimited members and video subscribers can see each episode. Only from […]

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MR Insider: A Virtual Visit with Hal Miller and David Popp

Trains.com staff members Hal Miller and David Popp stand along CTT O gauge layout.

What’s better than hanging out with Hal Miller and David Popp in the Model Railroader / Classic Toy Trains Workshop? The chance to repeat the experience! Enjoy this full replay of their hour-long trackside/layout-side chat, which was originally presented as a livestream session during the World’s Greatest Hobby Virtual Show on Saturday, April 17, 2021. […]

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The story behind developing smoke for toy-train locomotives

Front of an O gauge model steam locomotive on layout in night operation with smoke coming out of the stack next to interlocking tower.

The evolution of miniature locomotives has been long and steady for more than a century. The beginning, of course, involved using electricity to enable them to move without being touched. Next came the introduction of functioning lights to models of steam and electric engines as well as to trolley and motorized units. Everything that had […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 69

Bob Keller in the MR workshop

Bob Keller is back with an all-new Bob’s Train Box, Episode 69! He and CTT editor Hal Miller take a look at Lionel’s new Vision Line Western Pacific GS-6 steam locomotive to see what makes this O gauge beauty tick (and whistle, and steam)! Bob also examines Menards’ O scale Amtrak station, the Guide to […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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A little bit of the Pacific Northwest

Gary Pearsall’s compact O gauge layout

Gary Pearsall’s layout features Northern Pacific passenger and freight trains. The layout measures 5 x 10 feet and features spectacular mountain scenery as well as a town with buildings by Lionel, MTH, Walthers, and Woodland Scenics. Trains made up of equipment from K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Atlas O, and Williams run on two independent loops of […]

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Improve short locomotive wiring in 7 steps

A short O gauge 0-6-0t steam switcher approaches a pair of track turnouts

Some of today’s short-wheelbase locomotives have issues with the prototypical switches and narrow-angle crossings that make an O gauge railroad look realistic. Here’s a quick fix that will allow any locomotive­ ­- even this economical Bethlehem Steel saddle tanker from Lionel – to perform reliably over the troublesome trackwork. THIS IS A PHOTO FEATURE. CLICK […]

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May 2021

May cover

Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 5 LETTERS, pg. 6 MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 8 PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 10 NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14 Collectible cars, Frank Ellison repro building, Plasticville, U.S.A. book VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 17 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, pg. 18 GREATEST FIND, pg. 29 A colorful Lionel set from J.C. […]

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O gauge Amtrak station by Menards

amtrak station with people milling around

If you need a spot for your passengers to get on and off your trains, Menards has a new building for you. Its O gauge Amtrak Station occupies a footprint of approximately 12 x 8 inches. That size makes it perfect for almost any size railroad and particularly well suited for smaller ones. The single-story […]

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