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 […]
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 […]
It isn’t an exaggeration to observe that the CTT staff is frequently asked basic questions such as “How do I connect my power and lockon to the track?” However, we get even more questions related to adding operational capability beyond running one train in a circle – taking a step beyond the starter outfit. Aside […]
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 […]
Tidy Track cleaning system by Woodland Scenics Price: $34.99 (No. TT4550) Features: Rail Tracker handle and cleaning head, cleaning and maintenance pads, bottle of track cleaning fluid You can clean track using just the Rail Tracker or the Rail Tracker handle. To illustrate how dirty our track was before we cleaned it, we used the […]
Lionel’s message to customers posted on its Facebook page as of March 27. Lionel via Facebook CONCORD, N.C. — Lionel, the famed toy train manufacturer, is closing its corporate headquarters and has employees working remotely. In an email sent to customers and read by Classic Toy Trains, Lionel CEO Howard Hitchcock writes that the company […]
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 […]
[…]
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! […]
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 […]
Welcome to the May 2020 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Inside, you’ll find more than 60 pages of inspiration, tips, and answers to questions you might have about our fun hobby. For a list of features and regular departments, see this month’s Table of Contents. […]
Josef Lesser, one of the pioneers of realistic “hi-rail” modeling with new and vintage Lionel trains, has died at the age of 83. Joe contributed to the growth of the toy train hobby as a modeler and author. His landmark O gauge layout, the JL&ATSF Railroad, was featured prominently in Classic Toy Trains throughout the […]
