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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

Manage My Account

If you would like to add or update your email / mailing address, credit card information or subscription/membership, log on to your account here.

How do I contact Customer Service?

You may reach our Customer Service Center by mail, email or phone Monday through Friday from 7am-6pm CT. Access contact information by brand here.

TRAINS.COM

I am a magazine subscriber to one of your publications (Model Railroader, Classic Toy Trains, Trains, Classic Trains). How do I access my subscriber benefits / subscriber-only content on the new trains.com site?

By logging into the site, you will have unlimited access to all the exclusive magazine subscriber content. Your login credentials have not changed. If you have forgotten your password, you can follow the link on the login form to reset it.

Here are the benefits for magazine subscribers, by publication:

Model Railroader Subscribers: Track Plan Database, Cody’s Office, Hobby Workshop Webcam, Q&A with the Editor

Model Railroader Video Plus Subscribers: Video access

Trains Magazine Subscribers: News Wire, Rochelle Webcam, Q&A with the Editor

Classic Trains: Photo of the Day, Rochelle Webcam, Q&A with the Editor

Classic Toy Trains: Track Plan Database, Hobby Workshop Webcam, Q&A with the Editor

I’m a subscriber, why isn’t all the content on the site open to me?

There is new and exclusive content on trains.com that is available through the Unlimited Digital Membership. Magazine subscribers still have unlimited access to the subscriber benefits content online.

How do I login to my magazine’s site?

There is a ‘Sign In’ link in the top right navigation on all pages of the site.

Why are there locks on some content? How do I get rid of the locks?

The new trains.com site offers an Unlimited Digital Membership that includes new exclusive content available to digital members only. Anyone who joins the trains.com Unlimited Digital Membership unlocks access to all content on the trains.com site.

Does the print edition of the magazine still exist?

Yes! If you are a current print subscriber to any of our magazines, you will continue to receive your print edition in the mail as you always have. With the launch of Trains.com, ALL magazine subscribers can now access the digital edition, right from the website! Just go to the Archive section for the magazine you subscribe to, and you will have access to all issues in your past, present and future subscription terms.

The Archives can be accessed here: https://www.trains.com/magazines/archives/

TRAINS.COM UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP

What is the Trains.com Unlimited Membership? What are the benefits?

It is a digital membership that gives members unlimited access to all content on trains.com as well as exclusive member benefits including access to magazine issue archives for all magazines, premium video series and workshops, discounts when shopping at KalmbachHobbyStore.com, free digitized books, advance ticket purchase for tours and events.

How much is a digital membership?

Charter membership is $6.99 per month, billed annually at $83.88. You have 30 days to try our membership free. If you cancel during your 30-day free trial period, you will not be charged. After your free trial, if you are 100% satisfied, your membership benefits will continue without interruption.

Do I get access to the membership or locked content if I subscribe to the magazine?

Magazine subscriptions do not give you access to exclusive member benefits or locked content.

Do I get magazines if I join the membership?

The Unlimited Membership does not include magazine subscriptions. However, members can enjoy access to magazine issue archives for all magazines.

I am a print subscriber to one or more magazines. If I join the membership, do I still need to keep my magazine subscription?

If you want to continue receiving the print edition of the magazine, yes, you will need to maintain your current magazine subscription.

Can I purchase only the magazine archive of for my magazine?

There is an option to subscribe only to the Model Railroader issue archive or the Trains magazine issue archive. It includes access to every single issue of that magazine. Subscription is $2.99 per month.

Do I need to be a magazine subscriber to purchase the magazine archive to one of your magazines?

You do not need to be a print magazine subscriber to purchase subscription access to the magazine archives. Subscription is $2.99 per month.

I’m a Model Railroader Video Plus (MRVP) subscriber. How do I access my videos on the new site?

Model Railroader Video Plus is now a part of trains.com. All your subscription video remains available to you on trains.com, under Videos. Your login credentials will not change on the new trains.com site. The login link can be found at the top right of any page on the site. Once logged in, you can navigate to the video content through the Videos navigation. You can also visit the MRVP Member Home page for quick access.

I am a Model Railroader Video Plus (MRVP) subscriber. Will I need to pay more for my video subscription on trains.com?

If you are an existing MRVP subscriber, you will continue to access your video subscription on trains.com at your current subscription rate.

I am a Model Railroader Video Plus (MRVP) subscriber. Am I able to upgrade my video subscription to a full digital membership?

MRVP subscribers can upgrade their subscription to full Unlimited Membership by contacting customer service.

Email: customerservice@trainsunlimited.info

Phone: 866-926-1494

Days/Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm Central time and Saturday 7am-5pm Central time.

I purchased the Model Railroader Archive. Can I still access the archive and where do I find the magazine issues?

Yes, Model Railroader archive subscribers will still have access to the magazine archive on trains.com and continue to pay what you do today. To access the archive, log into trains.com using the same login credentials you have currently. The archives can be found here.

I am a Model Railroader Archive subscriber. Will I need to pay more for my archive subscription on trains.com?

If you are an existing Model Railroader Archive subscriber, you will continue to access your magazine issues on trains.com at your current subscription rate.

I am a Model Railroader Archive subscriber. Am I able to upgrade my subscription to a full digital membership?

Model Railroader Archive subscribers can upgrade their archive subscription to full Unlimited Membership by contacting customer service.

Email: customerservice@trainsunlimited.info

Phone: 866-926-1494

Days/Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm Central time and Saturday 7am-5pm Central time.

How do I order a gift membership?

Gift memberships are not currently available for the Unlimited Membership. Please check back in the coming weeks as we work to make those available.

How do I cancel my membership?

To manage your account, including cancel your membership, log into your account here. 

I want to submit an article or video for Trains.com to publish. Who can I send it to?

Please send your submissions to Questions@trains.com.

Who is behind Trains.com?

Kalmbach Media and the tracks editors you know and love.

I didn’t find the answer to my question on this page. Who can I contact?

Please send any questions you have to: Questions@trains.com.