Great Model Railroads 2023

The cover of Great Model Railroads 2023

PLUS Celebrating the CP’s centennial The freelanced HO scale Strathcona Division models the Canadian Pacific in British Columbia Modeling C&O’s Kanawha Sub Coal is king on this HO scale Appalachian layout Time well spent An O gauge modeler replaces his three-rail layout with a 1:48 scale granger road New England memories A new version of […]

Read More…

How to Model Locomotives

The cover of How to Model Locomotives

PLUS Motivation for motive power Introduction Sound for legacy locomotives – F units A little soldering goes a long way How to detail, paint, and decal a locomotive Give a road switcher a new look How diesel facilities work A lot of work goes on behind the scenes between road trips Speed matching for DCC […]

Read More…

Bob Davies’ O gauge layout

Illustration of an O gauge layout

Name: Bob Davies’ O gauge layout Dimensions: 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ feet Track: GarGraves (diameters range from 42 to 54 inches) Motive power: Lionel, Wiliams by Bachmann Rolling stock: Lionel, Menards Controls: Lionel GW-180 transformer Accessories: Z-Stuff for Trains Structures: Mattel, MTH Vehicles: Mattel Download the track plan for this layout. […]

Read More…

10 tips for a better holiday toy train display

Model steam engine in Christmas scene

10 tips for a better holiday toy train display With the holidays on the way, we at Classic Toy Trains wanted to share ways to have a better holiday toy train display. Here are 10 tips from hobbyist David Smith. 1. Traditional O-27 tubular track allows for more varied track plans in a small space. […]

Read More…

2022 holiday toy train photo gallery

close up of steam locomotive on layout

A 2022 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 (with some bonus N and large scale trains). If you have a photo you’d […]

Read More…

Rerouting track | Back on Track, Episode 23

In this episode, Host Gerry Leone acknowledges two areas on his layout where he needs to rethink the track arrangements. He discusses possible solutions and then shows how he rerouted the track on the lower and upper decks to fit his vision. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just […]

Read More…

An easy Halloween project for your O gauge railroad

Halloween scene on toy train layout

An easy Halloween project for your O gauge railroad is sprucing up a store-bought holiday item to add to your layout. With a few supplies, you can complete this project. It’s appropriate for all skill levels, too, so the kids can help! While browsing the Halloween section at Menards, my husband found some fun décor […]

Read More…

A small S gauge layout with big ideas

A small S gauge layout

A small S gauge layout can give a lot of play value. For proof, check out John Mansueto’s layout in the November-December 2022 issue. It’s like many of the compact O and S gauge layouts spotlighted in Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces, the 2021 special issue from Classic Toy Trains. Spare bedrooms, garage stalls, […]

Read More…

Richard (Al) Phillips’ O gauge layout

Richard (Al) Phillips’ O gauge layout

Name: Richard (Al) Phillips’ O gauge layout Dimensions: 11 x 12 feet Track: GarGraves, Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Switches: Lionel Motive power: Lionel (all eras), Marx Rolling stock: Lionel (all eras), Marx, MTH Electric Trains, Williams Controls: Lionel types KW and ZW transformers Accessories: Lionel (postwar), Marx Structures: Lemax, Lionel, Plasticville, […]

Read More…

Make a Lake, Part 4 | Back on Track, Episode 21

Make a lake, part 4 – In this episode of the Back on Track mini-series, hosted by Gerry Leone on his HO scale Bona Vista model railroad, you’ll see how to apply the finishing touches and details on the water effects, painted backdrop, and adjacent shoreline scenery. All of this and more, as Gerry works […]

Read More…

Make a Lake, Part 3 | Back on Track, Episode 20

Make a lake, part 3 – It’s all water under the bridge for this episode of the Back on Track mini-series, hosted by Gerry Leone on his HO scale Bona Vista RR. With the lakebed colors applied, Gerry shows how to add water effects, as well as a few special details a keen-eyed visitor might […]

Read More…