It’s been written about a lot before, but here are some more ballasting tips for tubular track. It can make your right-of-way look more realistic, but the bottom line is have fun and don’t stress about it. Don’t overdo It is pretty common to completely fill in the area between two tracks with a bed […]
Scale: O Scale
Lionel O gauge “B6” 0-4-0
Stepping into the “wayback” machine, Lionel’s 0-4-0 steam switcher is a model of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s B6-class 0-6-0. Just before World War II, Lionel made several variations of its B6 switcher, two of which – Nos. 1662 and 1663 – used 0-4-0 instead of 0-6-0 wheel arrangements. The model was in and out of the […]
How to maintain Lionel toy train operating cars
The Lionel operating milk car’s chute is made so that the milk barrels can only be put in the correct way. However, once inside the chute, the barrels can become jammed if the car tips over. Here are some tips for keeping this car in service. Classic Toy Trains file A version of this article […]
Simple mountain backdrop painting for your toy train layout
Creating the scene The examples shown here are from the backdrops on my O gauge layout, which is set against distant hills. I broke each sketch down to three levels of scenery: the foreground (tree line), the intermediate level (nearby hills), and the background (mountains). I needed to use only three colors, one for each […]
What to do after you open a toy train starter set
First cataloged in the 2017 Lionel Christmas catalog, the no. 82982 LionChief Christmas Express train is a colorful and rugged modern starter set. Everything you need is included in the set box. Better yet, you can even operate this train from a smartphone! William Zuback A version of this article first appeared in the January […]
Let’s Make A Scene: Episode 16
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that Kathy Millatt’s HO scale (1:87.1) wintry diorama is frozen in time, she can turn her attention to adding frosty features to a freight car! Check out Kathy’s techniques for layering up realistic snow and ice effects, using commercially available products. […]
Let’s Make A Scene: Episode 16
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that Kathy Millatt’s HO scale (1:87.1) wintry diorama is frozen in time, she can turn her attention to adding frosty features to a freight car! Check out Kathy’s techniques for layering up realistic snow and ice effects, using commercially available products. […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 1 Introduction
Model Railroader Video Plus (MRVideoPlus.com) creator and Trains.com Executive Producer David Popp takes viewers into the depths of a hobby haven — otherwise know as his basement. From his Safer-at-Home confines, David shares a quick tour of his recently remodeled home, including expanded, underground layout and storage spaces. Don’t miss these special MRVP Insider glimpses […]
Truck’s Toy Trains: Episode 9 Lionel Flatcar Loads
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp rejoins show host John Truckenbrod to inspect Lionel Corporation flatcar loads, namely Allis-Chalmers bulldozers and earth scrapers. For even more coverage of this topic, be sure to read the May 2020 issue of CTT! […]
Truck’s Toy Trains: Episode 9 Lionel Flatcar Loads
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp rejoins show host John Truckenbrod to inspect Lionel Corporation flatcar loads, namely Allis-Chalmers bulldozers and earth scrapers. For even more coverage of this topic, be sure to read the May 2020 issue of CTT! […]
Professor Carp speaks about fun, favorite Lionel freight cars
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp and Editor Hal Miller talk about Lionel’s fun freight cars from the 1960s during the Feb. 28 show, Happy Hour! This is a recording of the live event. For more about Lionel trains of the 1960s, check out the new special issue. Watch what all the fun in […]
Professor Carp speaks about fun, favorite Lionel freight cars
Classic Toy Trains Senior Editor Roger Carp and Editor Hal Miller talk about Lionel’s fun freight cars from the 1960s during the Feb. 28 show, Happy Hour! This is a recording of the live event. For more about Lionel trains of the 1960s, check out the new special issue. Watch what all the fun in […]