Classic Toy Trains May 2017

Build a retaining wall
By Frank Knautz
Add an easy, great-looking railroad tie retaining wall using inexpensive, commonly available wood.

A layout of a Lionel lifetime
By Roger Carp
Carl Rygiewicz can serve as the prototype for the ideal three-railer and his 20 x 24-foot railroad is inspiring.

Discover a truly beautiful O gauge layout
By Roger Carp
An array of artistic talents leads to a festive and functional layout.

Guide to Lionel sets
By Roger Carp
The great outfits of the middle 1950s gave kids more to play with.

Add layout-boosting detail
By Peter H. Riddle
A veteran builder shares five essential tips for improving the appearance and operation of your railroad.

End and rebirth of S gauge Santa Fe passenger trains
By George Hoffer
American Flyer catalogs featured long and elegant Santa Fe streamliners through the 1950s and even into the modern era.

Weekend workshop: Update a Lionel MPC boxcar
By Robert Sylvan
Colorful an affordable, the Lionel cars produced under the ownership of Model Products Corp. are also simple to upgrade.