Model Train Journal

Richard, I'm not sure of the set source for the figures, but I know they are Marx. I got them from Howard Lamey when he was cleaning out a bunch of stuff, and Howard's a great fan of Marx (so I made the leap that the figures are Marx). When I get a hot minute, I'll take a pic. The rubberized mold ma...

Looking terrific, Rufus. Nice color selection! I've been gradually transitioning to 3D prints when I find them. Prints have the advantage of never losing the sharpness of any detail (unlike cast figures which tend to get a bit tired as the molds age). I've got a few Marx toy figures from the 1950's ...

Looks terrific, Wayne...nice collection of gondolas w/cannisters. That loco pulls quite a bit given its one traction tire.

You need to track down a set of the Lionel Southern Crescent O-27 passenger cars...they'd look great behind your loco.

Thanks for that, Wayne and Rufus. Next time over to the store I’ll look for Pledge products.

What's the recommended technique for restoring a bit of shine to postwar Lionel locomotives? Back in the day, I recall folks advocating a light application of Future floor wax (or some other brand, can't remember)...is that still a good option, or are there better materials available now? I think t...

What's the recommended technique for restoring a bit of shine to postwar Lionel locomotives? Back in the day, I recall folks advocating a light application of Future floor wax (or some other brand, can't remember)...is that still a good option, or are there better materials available now?

Hi Greg...glad to hear you're still plugging away on stuff. I use a rattle can of Tamiya Semi-Gloss Clear (TS-79) over the base coat. I know some folks use Rustoleum clear lacquer, but I've had mixed results with that stuff. It's a bit heavier and can obliterate some of the casting/print sculpt deta...

Been packing some stuff up to clear room on the layout. Gave the Lionel 225E and a drag of 600-series coaches a spin around the outer loop: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55507528186_1997f011b0_b.jpg The E-unit was acting a bit wonky this AM...likely needs a good cleaning. Otherwise, not much g...

High-speed Standard Gauge at a 2015 Greenberg Show:



Photo courtesy of mnosal (Flickr).

Never used the "snow" but do use the scenic cement (5191). But never have sprayed that stuff....probably have to dilute and filter it before running it through a duck head sprayer. Might also have to give everything an alcohol spray 1st, too. Thanks for the input, Rufus. I've used "g...

Very deep pockets required. A French acquaintance sent me a picture of this layout he's currently helping to dismantle: https://nsm09.casimages.com/img/2026/08/19//ldDWWb-Panorama-collection-Gaillard-Fiancey.jpg What's really unusual is that all of the structures on the layout are ceramic, handmade ...

Anybody here ever used any of this stuff?: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDn66JOd8od5gdA8g8JD6SQEf0LY4IIFb4Atj3yGr8cF5PDmwDuhNzr5wpXN1FUEXvs3AZOBoEqdLcB1dcbfDdB5IWvs76jV-k5KmPhR_C1tOVVWrpcDPodvA I need to build a couple of small dioramas for a non-model railroad project and...

Was this a reissue of sorts of the prewar 238E, but with a modern era tender? I can't quite tell if it's the same boiler casting, but can see they changed up the pilot truck to a four-wheel version, making it a true Pacific.

No, sadly, there was no side-exhaust. That would have been neat, but Ray's way too toy train savvy to let one of those go for a nominal sum and the cost of shipping. I've seen videos of side-smoking #1666 locos, but never a #666. Doesn't mean they don't exist, just never saw one. Pretty spiffy featu...

On the road this weekend visiting my kid up in Albany NY. Not much to report from Upstate. Before hitting the Interstate, this Marx #666 2-4-2 showed up at the house. My friend Ray Ellen sent me a note saying he had a bunch of them and asking if I wanted one. For not much more than the cost of shipp...