Meet the Modeler: Peter Atonna

A scene on Peter Atonna’s layout

    Hi-rail O gauge modeler Peter Atonna’s work last graced the cover of Classic Toy Trains in October 2017, but his relationship with the magazine goes back at least two layouts to the May 1997 issue. His current one, the detail-packed Seligman & Paulden Lines, showcases the best of long passenger and freight trains […]

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Budget Christmas train layout for about $60 in scenery

Two people behind a small winter-themed toy train layout.

Looking for a budget Christmas train layout? Look no further. Classic Toy Trains Production Editor Rene Schweitzer and Digital Editor Steve Sweeney sort through garland, tinsel, ceramic buildings, and LED lights and more from Menards worth about $60. Watch them craft or place each piece for a winter-themed layout in less time than it takes […]

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Budget Christmas train layout for about $60 in scenery

Two people behind a small winter-themed toy train layout.

Looking for a budget Christmas train layout? Look no further. Classic Toy Trains Production Editor Rene Schweitzer and Digital Editor Steve Sweeney sort through garland, tinsel, ceramic buildings, and LED lights and more from Menards worth about $60. Watch them craft or place each piece for a winter-themed layout in less time than it takes […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 76

Bob Keller in the workshop with a Santa hat on for Bob's Train Box 76

We’re celebrating the happy holidays on Bob’s Train Box 76! In this installment, Bob Keller and guest Hal Miller look at new Menards buildings including the Ray’s Wrecker building flat. They also examine the O gauge Lionel Super Chief LionChief set. In addition Bob relates a story and a reminder about those oddball train gifts […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 76

Bob Keller in the workshop with a Santa hat on for Bob's Train Box 76

We’re celebrating the happy holidays on Bob’s Train Box 76! In this installment, Bob Keller and guest Hal Miller look at new Menards buildings including the Ray’s Wrecker building flat. They also examine the O gauge Lionel Super Chief LionChief set. In addition Bob relates a story and a reminder about those oddball train gifts […]

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2021 Holiday toy train photo gallery

Christmas tree with trains and décor around it

A 2021 holiday toy train photo gallery is just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit. Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com […]

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Lionel 6464 boxcars, including a New York Central version

6464-125 New York Central Pacemaker, Cataloged 1954-56

  Lionel 6464 boxcars help Lionel Corp. mark 1953 as a turning point. Yes, a year after blazing a new trail with classic streamlined passenger cars, the engineering and sales teams at Lionel fielded near-scale models of a modern flatcar, a triple-dome tank car, and a porthole caboose. Perhaps most important of all, the company […]

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Some of your favorite toy train Christmas scenes

Model steam engine in Christmas scene

Vintage toy trains in winter holiday scenes bring feelings of nostalgia. Relive the nostalgia with this selection of both current and vintage holiday-themed photos in O and Standard gauge scales. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com […]

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