Most modelers can pinpoint the photos, people, events, books, or stories that inspired them to build their model railroads. For me, I can honestly say that my N scale Naugatuck Valley RR started with a lone boxcar – a Micro Trains 40-foot single-door boxcar decorated in New Haven black and orange. I got the car […]
Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]
Facts and features Name: Baltimore & Ohio Ridgely Division Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: extension: 8 x 8 feet, entire layout: 20 x 28 feet Prototype: Baltimore & Ohio, Western Maryland Locale: central West Virginia Era: 1967 Style: around the walls Mainline run: NA Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: none on main […]
Facts and features Name: Union Pacific Geneva Subdivision Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 17 x 25 feet Prototype: Union Pacific (ex-Chicago & North Western) Locale: West Chicago Yard to Clinton, Iowa Era: late summer 2000-2005 Style: multi-deck walk-in Mainline run: approximately 210 feet (not including helix or staging) Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum […]
Having to disassemble a train layout is always frustrating, thinking about the time and effort I put into building it. But alas, many model railroads eventually run their course, and the space is needed for other uses. In my 40s, I began thinking about a layout that could be preserved yet be flexible enough to […]
Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge. If you have a photo you’d like considered for a future gallery, contact editor@classictoytrains.com See even more holiday photos! […]
I first encountered the Lone Star Treble-O-lectric system when one of my old school friends had a box full of play-worn equipment, which we would just set up on the carpet and get them to go! At that time, the last remnants of the Lone Star system were sold in stores such as Woolworths, among […]
A holiday toy train photo gallery is just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit. Please enjoy this selection of holiday-themed photos of toy trains from Lionel and American Flyer in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge (with some bonus N and large scale trains). If you have a photo you’d like […]
Dave Baule’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 11 x 25 feet Track and switches: American S Gauge (diameters range from 38 to 76 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, American S Gauge, Downs, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Controls: Gilbert American Flyer Nos. 16B and […]
Bob and Diane Zwieg’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 13 feet Track and switches: K-Line, Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Controls: Lionel, Model Rectifier transformers with Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Accessories: Department 56, Lemax, Lionel […]
Facts and features Name: Sun Parlour Lines Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 12 x 41 feet Prototype: Chesapeake & Ohio and New York Central Locale: southern Ontario Era: September 1955 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 150 feet Minimum radius: 28″ (main line), 22″ (hidden loop) Minimum turnout: No. 6 (main line) Maximum grade: 2.5% Benchwork: […]
Facts and features Name: East Troy Industrial Park Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 14‘-2“ x 19‘-0” Prototype: freelanced industrial switching Era: present day Local: southeastern Wisconsin Style: around the walls Mainline run: 33 feet Minimum radius: 28“ (main), 18“ (spurs) Minimum turnout: No. 5 (main) Maximum grade: 1.5% at interchange Benchwork: L-girder Height: 42” Roadbed: cork […]
