Methods to wiring your toy train layout

MTH’s Digital Command System transmits signals through the track system, unlike Lionel’s TrainMaster and Legacy systems, which transmit through the air.

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 […]

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Lionel curtails operations

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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 […]

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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! […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Josef Lesser, pioneer of realistic ‘hi-rail’ modeling with Lionel trains, dies at 83

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 […]

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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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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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O gauge ET44C4 starter set locomotive from Lionel

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Bill Zuback O gauge ET44C4 starter set locomotive from Lionel Price: $399.99 for no. 84732 set, separate-sale locomotive approximately $220 Features: O-36 operation, two motors, operating couplers, Lionel RailSounds RC sound system, illuminated cab and directional headlights, handheld remote controller. Low speed (app): 11.8 scale mph Low speed (universal remote): 16.25 mph, High speed: 56.2mph […]

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