Visit an amazing 4′ x 8′ O gauge layout featuring Lionel, MTH, and K-Line trains

John Cunius' O gauge layout and the cover of Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces.

John Cunius is truly the “Chairman of the Board” when it comes to his O gauge layout. The display, in a corner of his train room, puts the “fun” in “functional.” It has shelves underneath that hold his collection of locomotives, cars, and other equipment. See this and many other space-saving designs in Classic Toy […]

Read More…

State Line Route in N scale: Painting a backdrop and adding horizon lines, Episode 13

David Popp talking to Rene Schweitzer while pointing to the backdrop on a model railroad

In this episode, David demonstrates how to paint a gradient blue-sky backdrop for the State Line Route N scale layout. Then he enlists Rene to help create horizon lines using sections from various SceniKing photo backdrops. Watch how the backdrop comes together using these techniques! […]

Read More…

State Line Route in N scale: Painting a backdrop and adding horizon lines, Episode 13

David Popp talking to Rene Schweitzer while pointing to the backdrop on a model railroad

In this episode, David demonstrates how to paint a gradient blue-sky backdrop for the State Line Route N scale layout. Then he enlists Rene to help create horizon lines using sections from various SceniKing photo backdrops. Watch how the backdrop comes together using these techniques! […]

Read More…

Meet the Modeler: Neal Schorr

A train on Neal Schorr's layout

Neal Schorr’s work has appeared numerous times on the cover of and inside Classic Toy Trains, as well as in our sister publication Model Railroader. He’s an excellent modeler and equally good with a camera. His Pennsylvania RR-themed layout is loaded with scale detail and memorable scenes based on actual locations. Questions & answers My […]

Read More…

State Line Route in N scale: Modifying structures to fit your layout, Episode 12

David Popp standing next to a structure placed on the N scale State Line Route layout

Structures for our State Line Route N scale layout keep rolling in! In this episode, David gives a peek at the kits built by Seth Puffer and Sammi DiVito. Then, learn how Steve Brown, host of “It’s My Railroad” and “Scale It Down” on trains.com, kitbashed a packaging plant and modernized a tank farm to […]

Read More…

A visit to Len Smith’s O gauge Reading layout

Len Smith's layout and the cover of the November 2021 Classic Toy Trains

Take a ride on Len Smith’s O gauge Reading RR featured in the November 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Modern locomotives and rolling stock plus great scenery make this layout a terrific tribute to his favorite fallen flag. Have a look at the track plan here. […]

Read More…

It’s My Railroad: Build a loader from parts and pieces, Ep. 27

As the mini-series continues, there’s plenty more work for Steve Brown to finish on his N scale scratchbuilt industry. This video picks up with our host sharing his instructions and insights for putting together a flood loader for the pet food plant. […]

Read More…

It’s My Railroad: Build a loader from parts and pieces, Ep. 27

As the mini-series continues, there’s plenty more work for Steve Brown to finish on his N scale scratchbuilt industry. This video picks up with our host sharing his instructions and insights for putting together a flood loader for the pet food plant. […]

Read More…

It’s My Railroad: Simple scratchbuilding concepts for shaping a complex industry, Ep. 26

Steve Brown shares his “Regular Guy” techniques for building a complex N scale industry – all from scratch! You’ll get all of the how-to and the why-so explanations in this introduction to this scratchbuilding min-series. […]

Read More…

It’s My Railroad: Simple scratchbuilding concepts for shaping a complex industry, Ep. 26

Steve Brown shares his “Regular Guy” techniques for building a complex N scale industry – all from scratch! You’ll get all of the how-to and the why-so explanations in this introduction to this scratchbuilding min-series. […]

Read More…

Lionel’s Phantom train stars on this O gauge Halloween layout

Lionel's Phantom train on a small Halloween toy train layout

Lionel’s Phantom train is on the rails! We’ve all seen Lionel, MTH, and American Flyer model train sets running under the Christmas tree, but what about for Halloween? CTT editor Hal Miller builds a small layout he calls the Chaos, Tragedy & Terror RR. It captures the spirit of the season with accessories from Woodland […]

Read More…