How are wood-chip gondolas unloaded?

Ask Trains logo

If there is no opening on the bottom, how are wood-chip gondolas unloaded? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have a question? Would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers […]

Read More…

Loneliest Amtrak station in California

A passenger train station appears vacant on a beach under cloudy skies.

Looking for the loneliest Amtrak station in California? Consider Lompoc-Surf, population: zero, an alternative to crowded California passenger stations. You won’t worry about parking your car, long walks to trackside, or even other people. There may be about 40 million people in California, but unless they are waiting for the train, or someone on it, […]

Read More…

What are those cylindrical mini tanks on tank cars used for?

Ask Trains logo

Not all tank cars have these. Cody explains what this particular part is used for in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about modern freight car components? Or do you have a question about something on your model railroad? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of […]

Read More…

What is the protocol for railroad grade crossing collisions?

Ask Trains logo

Cody explains grade crossing accidents in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about full-size railroads, or would you like to learn more about model trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer the questions readers […]

Read More…

What was the color and consistency of the ore which the Delaware & Hudson pulled from the mine in Tahawus, N.Y., north of North Creek?

Ask Trains logo

Cody explains where to find the color of the ore in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about full-size railroads, or would you like to learn more about model trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where […]

Read More…

Glory Days of Montana Rail Link

Cover of PDF: MRL locomotives lead a train through an S curve under blue skies in a flat area.

What was Montana Rail Link is set to be absorbed back into BNSF Railway in 2022. This PDF download is a collection of images and articles that help remember those brief, but oh-so-glorious years when bold, blue locomotives lead freight trains under big skies. Get your download today! […]

Read More…

Where do you find charts with information on specific locomotives?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno explains the resources available in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about full-size trains, or would you like to learn more about your model railroad? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer […]

Read More…

Where do you find charts with information on specific locomotives?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno explains the resources available in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about full-size trains, or would you like to learn more about your model railroad? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer […]

Read More…

What covered hopper is on page 8 of the March 2017 issue?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno walks you through examples of covered hoppers in this video of Ask Trains. If you have questions on prototype rolling stock, or want to know more about prototype railroading? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer […]

Read More…

Unusual rolling stock: What IS that?

A bottle-shaped freight car used to carry molten steel.

Unusual rolling stock: There is no doubt that today’s trains are just not as colorful as those of a few decades ago. But just when you’re cradled into thinking variety is a thing of the past, a piece of rolling stock pops up to make you take a second look. Here’s a few samples of […]

Read More…

What is Precision Scheduled Railroading?

Hunter Harrison, Canadian National Railway

Amid lot of talk, just what is Precision Scheduled Railroading? It began with a simple lesson. In the late 1960s E. Hunter Harrison was working in the tower in Frisco’s Tennessee Yard in Memphis when Bill Thompson, the railroad’s operations chief, dropped by. Thompson pointed to the yard tracks, chocked full of freight cars, and […]

Read More…