Classic Toy Trains May 2016

The trains at Sinatra's fingertips
By Roger Carp
Learn which prewar items the singer was inspecting in a famous photo.

Add a detailed backdrop
By V.S. Roseman
Building a detailed background is easier than ever.

An O gauge layout [most of] you will like!
By Roger Carp
Brad Brown says his 10 1/2 x 29-foot toy train display isn’t for everyone.

Pure layout satisfaction!
By Roger Carp
Stewart Venit’s 17 x 20-foot O gauge railroad meets all his goals.

Ives: In a league of its own
By Keith Wills
Wide gauge passenger cars made by the Ives Manufacturing Co. reached new heights in the prewar era.

Secrets of a master builder
By Roger Carp
Custom builder Stu Gralnik shares tips for building a realistic layout.

New Flyer hopper cars for '46
By Ted Hamler
Collect the variations of an overlooked American Flyer model.

Recalling friendship and trains at Madison Hardware
By Jimmy Alongi
Memories of the brothers who ran the legendary toy train store in NYC.

Build a universal locomotive maintenance cradle
By Stan Trzoniec
For less than $10 make the perfect fixture for repairing your trains.