The layout is 5 x 9 feet. It features a postwar freight powered by Lionel’s 726 Berk and an MPC Congressional set powered by my custom painted GG-1. This is the first time a “G” has been on my Christmas Layout. This passenger train is one serious holiday train. The layout is minus the snow […]
ManuFacturer: Lionel
Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack)
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack) components Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack) […]
Starter set expansion plans (Lionel O gauge tubular track)
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel O gauge tubular Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Starter set expansion plans (Lionel O gauge tubular track) […]
O gauge Christmas transit set by Lionel
January issue reviews are always a bit sad for me. While the on-sale date of the magazine may still be before Christmas, the cover date means we’re moving past the high point of the toy train year. So I still like to get some Christmassy goodness in the January issue, even though some holiday curmudgeons […]
O gauge prewar-style freight set by Lionel (MTH)
Prewar trains are delightfully uncomplicated and remind us of the fun that can be had just running around a circle of track on the floor. The Lionel Corp. Tinplate line no. 269E freight set by MTH is a great example of a prewar-style O gauge train that delivers quality performance. It’s a swell introduction to […]
New products for November 2013
TASTY FIXINS: The Long Island Toy Train Locomotive Engineers (LITTLE) is serving up another custom-run Lionel freight car decorated for Entenmann’s bakery. The O gauge car features Entenmann’s graphics and comes in a blue and white trimmed box. The car will be limited to the number ordered, and orders must be placed by January 10, […]
O gauge armored train by Lionel (MTH)
Armored trains have quite a history, dating back as far as the American Civil War. Trains offered speed and flexibility for the movement of troops and supplies and could serve as artillery platforms. Of course, once that advantage was realized, opponents sought ways to interdict the movement through placement of mines, destruction of bridges and […]
A FasTrack 5 x 9 made to handle the curves…and more!
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the October 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. A FasTrack 5 x 9 made to handle the curves A FasTrack 5 x 9 made to handle the curves schematic A FasTrack 5 x […]
S gauge SD70ACe diesel by American Flyer (Lionel)
In the September 2013 issue, I offered a critique of Lionel’s well-executed American Flyer passenger cars done in the postwar style. Although the cars were nicely made, their design followed the limited detailing of an older day, and so might not be up to par with a scale-detailed model railroader. This time we’ll examine an […]
Video: S gauge SD70ACe diesel by American Flyer (Lionel)
This powerful and intricately detailed diesel represents the new face of S gauge. Watch it in action! […]
Video: S gauge SD70ACe diesel by American Flyer (Lionel)
This powerful and intricately detailed diesel represents the new face of S gauge. Watch it in action! […]
A FasTrack scheme with a surprising secret
Layout designer: Peter Riddle Scale: O Layout size: 6 1/2 x 11 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the September 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. A FasTrack scheme with a surprising secret A FasTrack scheme with a surprising secret schematic A FasTrack scheme with a surprising secret components […]