Frank Vodvarka’s layout, the 23′ x 27′ Eclectic Empire, is featured in the May-June 2022 Classic Toy Trains. It’s colorful and entertaining, with pre- and postwar Lionel and other O- and Standard gauge trains from the U.S. and abroad. Plus it has accessories, figures, and structures from multiple eras and manufacturers like Bayko, Britains, Bassett-Lowke, […]
Layout Size: Medium Layouts
Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2022
PLUS Brass engine fix-up Taking the mystery out of brass Add a metal foundry An industry you can model Visit an iron ore hauler An inspiring 23 x 27-foot HO layout You’re the power desk Operating tips from the prototype Add a paved roadway Convincing concrete quickly Modeling a small town Operating possibilities abound […]
Chris Raines’ O gauge layout is a mix of modern and digital
Chris Raines’ O gauge layout is featured in the May-June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains. It has neat scenery, structures, and lots of O gauge trains, primarily from the 1970s to today. The display has towns and areas named after Chris and his wife’s three children and there’s plenty to see! Chris runs the […]
Preview the May June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains
The May June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features Chris Raines’ layout and his YouTube channel, how to repair American Flyer’s no. 290 steam locomotive, a combination O gauge/Standard gauge layout, plus reviews of Lionel’s baby K4 steam locomotive and Menards hospital building, the latest new products, tips, and much more! Subscribers can […]
Make a Lake, Part 1 | Back on Track, Episode 18
By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]
Installing lower-level layout lighting | Back on Track, Episode 17
With the upper deck and backdrops now in place, Gerry noticed the lighting on the lower deck had changed significantly. Wisely, he decided to compensate for the reduced reach of light from the ceiling fixtures by installing a new light source to the underside of the upper deck. In this episode, you’ll see how Gerry […]
Putting the layout to the test | Back on Track, Episode 16
Following his recent grand tour, Gerry puts his HO scale Bona Vista under greater scrutiny. In this episode, our host closely examines how his construction efforts align with his established Givens and Druthers. After failing to pass every part of his self-graded test, Gerry invites fellow layout builders David Popp and Seth Puffer to check […]
Gerry walks a fine line | Back on Track, Episode 15
Gerry walks a fine line…the recently completed main line of his HO scale Bona Vista layout, that is! Our host, with assistance from his wife, has driven the Golden Spike into the trackwork of his double-deck model railroad. That’s a great time to take a walking tour of the construction progress. Following the tour, Gerry […]
Back on Track: Fixing an upper deck design flaw, Episode 14
What’s our Back on Track series host Gerry Leone up to these days? More work on the upper deck of his new HO scale Bona Vista layout, of course! Following the previous episode, Gerry finalized more of the track plan, added plywood subroadbed to the upper level, and even laid some track into place. But […]
Back on Track: Fascia and upper deck design, Episode 13
It’s a new year with new progress on Gerry Leone’s all-new HO scale layout. Of course, that means a new season of construction videos gets Back on Track right now! In this episode, you’ll see how our host made quick work of his hardboard fascia installation. While work on his upper deck isn’t quite as […]
Model Railroad Planning 2022
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 […]
Mandy Patinkin’s layout and toy trains
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 […]