Toy train smoke: Lots of scents available

Rene Schweitzer and Hal Miller with smoking O gauge steam and diesel lovomotives

Toy train smoke hijinx (and a minor train wreck) abound as Hal Miller and Rene Schweitzer try a variety of the scents in JT’s Mega Steam fluid line. The smoke fluids are now available from the Kalmbach Hobbystore. Rene and Hal discover with their tests that there’s a world of smells beyond coal and diesel […]

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S gauge fun in a compact space

Dave Baule’s S gauge layout

Enjoy this look at Dave Baule’s S gauge layout. The traditional looking pike occupies a modest footprint and is chock full of Plasticville buildings, vintage American Flyer accessories, and trains from a variety of eras. The display is featured in the special publication “Toy train layouts for small spaces,” available in fall 2021. […]

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How to clean old, rusty, and dirty track

Hal Miller in the workshop

Bought or inherited a load of tubular track? CTT editor Hal Miller shows his method of cleaning it up and getting it ready for trains to run properly on. This technique will help get rid of dirt and light rust, and help modelers avoid a few pitfalls that could be detrimental to operation. […]

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Bob’s Train Box Episode 71

Hal Miller and Bob Keller

On this episode of Bob’s Train Box, Bob and CTT editor Hal Miller get an up-close and personal look at MTH Trains’ recently released Premier line SD24 (even more info on it here). Then Bob examines some Greenberg guides that are fun to read and helpful when it comes to collecting trains and accessories. Finally, […]

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How to lubricate your locomotives

Hand lubricating a toy train locomotive

In this Workbench Minute video, CTT editor Hal Miller shows the basics of locomotive lubrication with O gauge diesel. The techniques are also useful on steam engines and locomotives in S gauge, too. He shows what to use (and where to get it), where to use it, and reinforces the idea that less is more […]

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Bob’s Train Box episode 70

Hal Miller and Bob Keller next to a layout

On this episode of Bob’s Train Box, Bob takes a look at a Lionel steam locomotive that he acquired, sold, and bought again. We’ve all been there, right? Then, he and CTT editor Hal Miller have a look at some structures for small and odd spaces on your layout. Then they both have a look […]

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Member video: Following Southern Pacific’s Sunset Limited

Peter Atonna layout track view

Name: Peter Atonna Railroad Name: Seligman & Paulden Lines 
Location: Arizona 
Scale: O Theme: Railroad running through Arizona serving its big and little towns Description: The Sunset Limited was the Southern Pacific’s premier streamlined passenger train passing through Douglas, Ariz. on its way from Los Angeles to New Orleans. This is my tribute to it from spending youthful days at the […]

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How to make roads stick on your model train layout

Hand gluing a model road on a layout

Hal Miller repairs peeling roadway material on the City Transfer & Terminal, an O gauge layout showcased in Classic Toy Trains articles and videos throughout 2018. With the original adhesive backing now dry and no longer tacky, Hal shows how silicone caulk can be used to affix the roads to the layout for good. […]

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