Ask Trains.com compilation April 2023 part two

Ask Trains.com compilation part two April 2023: An image of two men standing behind a table

Ask Trains.com compilation April 2023 part two: Cody Grivno answers reader questions regarding illustrations of Gunderson Husky-Stacks, railcar roller bearing failure frequency, prototype railroad compromise joint bars, which type of 3D printer is most beneficial for model railroaders, and where to purchase a specific spark arrestor. Are you looking to learn more about your model […]

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Ask Trains.com compilation April 2023

Ask Trains.com compilation April 2023: An image of two men sitting at a table

In the Ask Trains.com compilation for April, Cody is joined by Model Railroader‘s Bryson Sleppy to discuss how trackside detectors transmit defects, which railroad built the CSX line in Chesterton, Indiana, and answer questions such as why some Canadian National cars spell “Canadian” with an E, the fate of Branchline Trains, and why some Electro-Motive […]

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The HO scale Jones Island layout

The HO scale Jones Island layout: A model railroad layout trackplan

Facts & features Name: Jones IslandScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 3′-6″ x 13′-10″Prototype: Port of MilwaukeeLocale: Milwaukee waterfrontEra: Present dayStyle: ShelfMainline run: NoneMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: NoneBenchwork: L-girderHeight: 49″Roadbed: CorkTrack: Code 83Scenery: Extruded-foam insulation board, SculptamoldBackdrop: PhotoControl: NCE Digital Command Control Download a PDF of this track plan! Buy the May 2023 issue […]

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The N scale Florida Northern Railroad layout

Facts & features Name: Florida Northern RR Scale: N (1:160) Size: 11 x 16 feet Prototypes: Florida Northern RR Locale: Central Florida Era: 2004 Style: Double-decked walkaround Mainline run: 88 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: None Download a PDF of this track plan! Buy the May 2023 issue of Model […]

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Why do some intermodal cars have different support wheels?

intermodal cars different support wheels: An image of a model freight car on a workbench

Cody Grivno discusses the Rochelle, IL webcam, and the reason why some intermodal cars feature different support wheelset variations. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com, or leave a question in the […]

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Are DCC locomotives compatible with DC layouts?

DCC locomotives compatible with DC layouts: An image of a locomotive on a set of test rail

Cody Grivno addresses whether DCC-equipped locomotives can be ran on DC layouts without damaging the locomotives DCC control system. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com, or leave a question in the […]

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How can I verify track voltage?

verify track voltage: An image of hands holding a track voltage meter

Cody Grivno discusses the Model Rectifier Controlmaster V, and how model railroaders can verify track voltage while operating with this system. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com, or leave a question […]

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