How to build a fleet of toy train engines

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A few years ago I addressed this topic with a two-pronged approach: a little philosophy that might help you shape your fleet and some practical physical elements to ponder before you plunk down your credit card. Let’s take a quick refresher. Bob’s Rules for Locomotive Buying are pretty simple: One: A toy train is not […]

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J. Shepherd Dog food Factory from Menards

dogfoodplant

Bill Zuback J. Shepherd Dog food Factory from Menards Price: $99.99 (no. 279-4494) Features: Fully assembled and decorated, six figures and Jack the dog, warning lights, animated sign, loading dock, and train run-through. For illumination the factory requires a Menards 4.5-volt power supply, sold separately. Website: www.Menards.com/Trains There are probably a thousand potential industries that […]

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Menards gondolas are the ultimate budget cargo carrier

fleet_fillers

Bill Zuback photo Price: $19.99 Road names currently available: Baltimore & Ohio (blue, orange, and white), CSX (yellow and blue), Chicago & North Western (black and yellow with North Western logo), New Haven (orange, black, and white), Pennsylvania RR (Tuscan red and white with keystone logo), Santa Fe (silver and red with logo), Soo Line […]

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The Lionel O gauge Legacy A6 Atlantic, Illinois central No. 1003

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Bill Zuback O gauge 4-4-2 Atlantic from Lionel Price: $799.99 (no. 1931200) Features: Die-cast metal construction, wireless tether, tender coil coupler, illuminated cab, adjustable smoke output, Lionel Legacy command and sound systems, Odyssey II speed control, Bluetooth capable for LionChief universal remote or LionChief app Low speed (conventional): 5.5 scale mph Low speed (command mode): […]

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Details make the difference on your layout

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Follow along and build the CT&T, a 4 x 8 logging-themed project layout. The staff will walk you through the process, including working with foam board, laying track, wiring, scenery, and much more. Track plans using Lionel FasTrack, Atlas O 21st Century track, and MTH RealTrax are included. This package contains 31 pages from six […]

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A freight starter set from Lionel that anyone can enjoy

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Bill Zuback O gauge Minneapolis & St. Louis Diesel Super Freight Set by Lionel Price: $229.95 (no. 30155), $74.99 (no. 30157 two-car add-on set) Features: Alco RS-3 diesel with single can-style motor, diesel horn, boxcar, tank car, caboose, 40 x 50-inch loop of Lionel FasTrack, PowerMax 40-watt transformer For some reason, most starter sets seem […]

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Southern Pacific’s Golden State meets the Sunset Limited

Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum

Name: Robert Mayer Forum User Name: bobntrains Railroad Name: San Diego 3 Railers, Paradise & Pacific, Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum Location: San Diego Ca., Scottsdale Az., Tucson Az. Scale: O Theme: Southwest Description: This video takes the viewer on a journey with Southern Pacific’s Golden State and Sunset Limited through the southwest. […]

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An update from Papa T’s Train Room

1950s Small Southern Town layout

Name: Thomas Olsen Railroad Name: “Thomasville” or “PaPaT’s Train Room” Location: Birmingham Scale: O Theme: 1950s Small Southern Town Description: Scaled down layout following our move from Georgia to Alabama six years ago. Reduced from 15′ x 23′ to an 11′ x 16′ layout. […]

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