MTH releases connector cables for WTIU system

black cable

MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, offers a WTIU/TMCC-Legacy Connector Cable (No. 50-1042). The cable will connect the DCS WTIU system to the Lionel Command Base, the Lionel Legacy Command Base, or the Lionel Base3. Note: If you wish to operate Lionel locomotives in command mode with the Legacy Command […]

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MTH RailKing Galloping Goose railbus

green model railbus

The “Galloping Goose” railbuses were built by the Rio Grande Southern in the 1930s as a cheaper way to haul mail, passengers, and lighter freight. They used automobile or truck engines with freight containers, and ran on narrow-gauge track. The Goose was not only less expensive to operate but also much lighter, so less wear […]

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MTH Premier O scale four-car Norfolk and Western streamlined passenger set

Tail end of an O-scale passenger train

Ever since the return of MTH’s Premier Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4s in 2025, it was obvious that the 70’ streamlined passenger cars wouldn’t be far behind. The product announcement was made in November 2024, with the cars arriving in late 2025. They were offered in four-, two-, and single-car sets. This review focuses on […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for March 2026

black steam locomotive model

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is offering O Scale SD40T-2 Diesel Locomotive as part of the Premier line. The engines will be available in seven roadnames, feature prototypical cab numbers, and have O-42 operation (20-22123 shown). Expected delivery in May 2026. Price: Website: mthtrains.com Mr. […]

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O-gauge, 3-rail track buyer’s guide by manufacturers

Sections of track on table

The world of O-gauge, 3-rail track comes in three main choices: tubular, roadbed, and realistic. The next challenge is selecting the right brand from the many manufacturers — some still in business, others long gone — that will fit your wants and desires.     Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. Address: 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205 […]

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Notable new products from 2026 Railroad Hobby Show

silver locomotive with colored stripes on the side

Though I’ve been in the hobby for more than 70 years, I’m still amazed at the number of new products being released. Gone are the days when the Lionel or American Flyer “wish books” would fill our dreams of new engines, cars, or accessories. Now we have the internet, hobby shops, and train shows to […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for February 2026

red and white model boxcar

Locomotives & rolling stock The Train Loft, 4007-B Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, has announced a custom-run MTH 36’ Woodside Reefer as part of the Premier line. The car will be available in two numbers and features O-31 operation (20-94784 shown). Expected delivery in February 2026. Price: $84.95. Website: trainloft.com Mr. Muffin’s Trains, 165 […]

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An interview with Atlas Model Railroad

Multiple products from Atlas

Though its history is tied to track, the product line for Atlas Model Railroad Co. has grown and diversified from Z to O scale. General Manager Matt Moceikis and Sale Manager Ross Medine joined Model Railroader and Classic Toy Trains editors Eric White and Rene Schweitzer to discuss what’s in store for the future of […]

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Midday Modeler – January 29th, 2026

Midday Modeler – January 29th, 2026 |The Midday Modeler livestream event kicks off 2026 with several members of the Trains.com crew keeping busy in and around the workshop! Enjoy the replay here, and you’ll see David sharing several new books that recently arrived at shop.trains.com — along with a sneak peek at a brand-new book in the […]

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How to choose a toy train command system

Power pack, straight track section, and power connection.

Command control systems allow more ways than ever to operate your toy train today, and if you’re new (or you’ve been away from the hobby), choosing a system might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s review the choices, along with their pros and cons.  Conventional “Conventional” operation means you use a transformer […]

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Walt Hiteshew’s Marx O Gauge Layout

Explore the vibrant lithography and nostalgic charm with our latest layout tour, as featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine! Join life-long collector Walt Hiteshew, as he operates his 8½ x 17½-foot O gauge display, filled with Marx tinplate treasures winding around hand-sculpted mountains, across a custom-built viaduct, and bustling through village streets […]

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LED Upgrade: MTH Premier full-length dome

Dome car lit up in the dark

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” At least, that was my thought process when I received this MTH Premier Norfolk & Western 18-inch, full-length dome car. Though a beautiful model from 2004, it came with older, 18V lamp bulbs. Initial track power testing immediately revealed several issues: Lights only turning on in the lower […]

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