Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader In 1948, Lionel introduced a new coal loader that needed just one track and a dump car to run. Senior Editor Roger Carp explains the history of this coal loader, what was included in the box with your purchase, and how it changed over the years. He explains what makes […]
Rethinking, rebuilding, and relocating structures are all part of Steve Brown’s major changes. Right in the midst of his efforts to scratchbuild an N scale industrial structure, of course. But that’s what the It’s My Railroad series is all about! In this episode, you’ll see our host employ helpful techniques to tackle challenges in assembling […]
A Lionel 2022 catalog review is the order of the day on Bob’s Train Box Episode 78! Bob and Hal take a look through the most recent Big Book and pick out a few items that have sparked their interest. They also have a first look at a couple of new Menards 14-3/4-inch flatcars. Bob […]
A printed backdrop installation might be the focus of this episode, but first, David Popp shares how he protects the new toggle switch installation along the fascia of the HO scale Jones Island layout section. Meanwhile, Eric White works to trim and secure a printed paper backdrop installation to the wall behind the industrial tank […]
Watch as Stephen, Jess, and baby Hunter take a Silver Meteor family trip from New York City to Orlando. This video shows their adventures from NY Penn Station to Orlando, Florida, via Amtrak’s long-distance Silver Meteor. The Australian family maintains a travel blog, Flying The Nest, where they detail their globe-trotting experiences, mostly out of […]
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 new year brings a fresh look at the ongoing reconstruction of the Jones Island HO scale layout section. In this video, Cody and Eric get you up to speed on the grain and cement industry structure projects they’re finalizing. […]
We’re celebrating the happy holidays on Bob’s Train Box 76! In this installment, Bob Keller and guest Hal Miller look at new Menards buildings including the Ray’s Wrecker building flat. They also examine the O gauge Lionel Super Chief LionChief set. In addition Bob relates a story and a reminder about those oddball train gifts […]
Travel aboard a long-distance train for business? Before you set your time machine back to 1951, you might want to consider the perks of booking an overnight trip on a present-day Amtrak train! That’s precisely what Trains.com staffers did when they needed to get themselves, plus all their photography and video gear, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, […]
In Fall 2021, Nevada Northern Railway celebrated the return of 2-8-0 Consolidation-type steam locomotive No. 81 after sitting cold for decades. No. 81’s return also coincided with the 81st anniversary of Trains Magazine, whose staff cancelled most celebrations in 2020 because of the on-going pandemic. Join Trains Editor Jim Wrinn, Nevada Northern crews, and a […]
Bob and regular guest CTT editor Hal Miller have a look at MTH Trains’ new SW1 switcher. Check out the review in the January 2022 issue. The host also lights up Atlas O holiday boxcars, and shows some of his collection of railroad signs plus others available at Kalmbachhobbystore.com. […]
Join Trains Editor Jim Wrinn on a video visit to Michigan’s Little River Railroad 4-6-2 No. 110 – known as the world’s smallest standard gauge Pacific steam locomotive. No. 110 celebrates its 110th birthday in 2021. Help celebrate by sharing birthday wishes in the comments section below! […]
