How to update your LionChief Universal Remote

LionChief remote with smartphone

    Can’t get your new LionChief Universal Remote to pair with a locomotive? If the batteries are good, the device’s firmware might be the problem – it could be old and incompatible with your equipment, or just have bugs. Upgrading it might help establish a connection and get your trains rolling. The hand-held units […]

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Lionel Legacy Genset locomotive is a winner

Lionel Legacy Genset locomotive seen from the side

The new Lionel Legacy Genset locomotive is a nice-looking O gauge model of an innovative and environmentally conscious prototype. The full-sized versions get the job done while saving fuel and producing lower emissions. Simply put, the units are equipped with multiple small diesel engine-generator combinations rather than one large one. The number of power sets […]

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Richard Shutt’s O gauge layout

Track plan for Richard Schutt's O gauge layout

Facts & features Name: Richard Shutt’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 21 x 24 feet Track: GarGraves (diameters range from 42 to 72 inches) Switches: Ross Custom Switches Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern), MTH Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel (prewar, postwar, modern), Marx, Menards, MTH, Ready- Made Toys Accessories: Lionel (prewar, postwar, modern) Controls: Lionel […]

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Herb Lindsay’s O gauge layout

Track plan of Herb Lindsay's O gauge layout

Facts & features Name: Herb Lindsay’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 25 x 26 feet Motive power: Atlas O, Lionel, Weaver Rolling stock: Weaver, Wm. K. Walthers Controls: Lionel’s TrainMaster Command Control Structures: Scratchbuilt Download a PDF of this track plan!   […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 77: 2021 in review

2021 in review with Bob and Hal

It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 77: 2021 in review

2021 in review with Bob and Hal

It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]

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A collectible Lionel Milwaukee Road freight set

Collectible Lionel Milwaukee Road Freight set

Here’s the story behind this magnificent O gauge no. 810/2273W Lionel Milwaukee Road freight set. It was one of the finest outfits cataloged by the company for 1956. Click here for a history of the Milwaukee Road. The brand-new no. 2378P and 2378C F3 A-B locomotive combination headed the train. The powered A and unpowered […]

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Model Railroad Planning 2022

Model Railroad Planning 2022 cover

PLUS   Modeling a Mountain State coal hauler C&O and NYC’s jointly owned Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier From demolition to discovery Modeling an unknown part of a known ­prototype The “accidental” mushroom layout The rewards were well worth the extra effort Virginia & Truckee in the transition era A proto-freelanced HO track plan A compact […]

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Lionel Santa Fe set pays tribute to the Super Chief

Hal Miller with a Lionel Santa Fe set.

A close-up look at the O gauge Lionel Santa Fe set featuring the Super Chief passenger train (no. 6-84719). There’s a reason it’s a perennial catalog favorite. This entry-level LionChief outfit comes with everything you need to get started in the hobby including a great-looking passenger train, an oval of track, and a remote control. […]

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Mandy Patinkin’s layout and toy trains

Overview shot of a model train layout

In the October 2000 issue of Classic Toy Trains, photographer William Zuback and I photographed performer Mandy Patinkin’s layout. We spent a couple of days with he and his family. Joining us was Rich Roman, whose highly successful layout building firm, East Coast Enterprises, was responsible for much of the design and look of Mandy’s […]

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Issue preview: January 2022 Classic Toy Trains

Hal Miller with the cover of the 2022 January Classic Toy Trains issue preview

The January 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features advice on modelling winter from Dennis Brennan, a master of scenery and photography. You’ll also learn at least five other design and construction techniques from him that could improve your display! Plus there are multiple layout visits – including one in S gauge – filled with […]

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