When choosing a command system, you may encounter starter sets from three current train makers: Lionel, MTH, and Williams by Bachmann. The Bachmann sets have conventionally controlled locomotives and are operated by a traditional power supply, where speed is manipulated with a dial or lever raising or lowering track power. Lionel LionChief sets feature locomotives […]
Editor Hal Miller previews the July August 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains! We’ll visit a large club layout in Nassau, N.Y., learn about Lionel’s no. 9141 Burlington Northern gondolas, solve a mystery behind a Marx set, and visit an S gauge layout owned by Tom Barker. Plus, the latest new products, and reviews of […]
The MTH RailKing SD70ACe and caboose aren’t a set with a bunch of cars and track and a transformer. But they do make a great pair! The RailKing Imperial SD70ACe and a nice bay-window van (Product no. 30-20954-1) as they call them in Canada are available in a variety of roadnames. This set is decorated […]
Bob Keller and Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller have a look at the new MTH Trains’ O gauge RailKing Imperial SD70ACe and caboose set. Since the latter is lettered for Canadian Pacific, of course it’s a “van.” This episode also reveals Menard’s new Cripple Creek Switch Tower, and a variety of new books and […]
Let’s talk about toy train starter set basics. Whether you’ve been away from the hobby for several decades or are buying a beginner outfit as a gift, you’re in for some fun! These packages have gone high-tech in the past few years but – fear not! – they still offer an easy, straightforward path to […]
Spring TCA York 2022 notes from the field. CTT Editor Hal Miller visits the April 28-30 Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association event in York, Pa. He checks out the O, S, and Standard gauge trains and talks to some of the personalities at the show, including YouTubers Chris’s Trains & Things, Sid’s Trains, […]
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 […]
Postwar and modern Lionel trains mix on Richard Shutt’s layout! The 21 x 24-foot O gauge display, featured in the March-April 2022 Classic Toy Trains, is built for operation. His lifelong interest in the Norfolk & Western Ry. matches a deep-seated fascination with trains and accessories from the post-World War II period. It also includes […]
O gauge realism is Herb Lindsay’s legacy. One of the landmark layouts featured in Classic Toy Trains over the years has been the O gauge model railroad designed and built by the late hobbyist and his talented wife and fellow modeler, Dagmar Lindsay. How articles about Herb’s realistic tribute to railroading in central Pennsylvania during […]
It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]
It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]
The January 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features advice on modelling winter from Dennis Brennan, a master of scenery and photography. You’ll also learn at least five other design and construction techniques from him that could improve your display! Plus there are multiple layout visits – including one in S gauge – filled with […]
