Classic Toy Trains September 2002

Digital Control System delivers! In a special report, Classic Toy Trains’ staff takes a first look at the all-new MTH Digital Control System, which operates both MTH ProtoSound 2.0 and Lionel TrainMaster Command Control locomotives in command mode.

The Big Apple in O gauge - CTT’s Roger Carp visits the New York City-inspired, 21- by 31-foot layout of Jim Ledwith of Sonoma, Calif. Roger exclaimed that Jim’s fully scenicked layout is one of the most exquisite O gauge layouts he has ever seen.

Postwar "Auction of the Century" - Top postwar collector Joe Algozzini with the help of CTT's own Roger Carp explain why the sale of Rich Shanfeld’s collection is the auction of the century.

"Atlas City" track plan - Thomas Meleck of Los Angeles, Calif., has drawn up an Atlas O track plan with two levels and a passenger terminal, all sized to fit into a spare room.

How to repair Pullmor motors - Ray L. Plummer explains how to overhaul postwar, prewar, and modern-era open-frame motors.

How to change Protosound batteries - Time is winding down for the rechargable 8.4 volt batteries inside the first generation of MTH ProtoSound locomotives. CTT’s Jim Riccioli shows you how to replace an expired battery with a commonly available substitute.

How to wire Lionel accessories - The third in a series of wiring diagrams by Louis Koumoundouros of Chicago, Ill., shows you how to wire modern-era Lionel Mainline mast crossing signals three different ways.

15 years of layouts - In celebration of CTT’s 15th anniversary, we continue to republish photos of the most memorable layouts we’ve visited since 1987. And Bob Keller reviews the newest toy trains from MTH, Lionel, K-Line, and others; toy train industry news; Q&A operator tips with Ray L. Plummer; beginner tips from Kent and Carl Johnson; and our popular Collectible Classics column.