What is the best way to secure roadbed to a layout? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for […]
Section: Ask Trains
How were steam era water tanks filled?
Q: How were steam era water tanks filled? Was special water tank rolling stock used? – Tony Gastler A: No, steam-era water tanks were generally not filled with water brought by train. If that were an efficient way to move water in bulk, steam locomotives would just pull bigger tenders. Water towers were connected to […]
What is the name of the tool previously used in a video to punch out round disks of styrene?
Looking for help with your model railroad? Looking for a specific article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature […]
What would the HO size be of a football or soccer field?
Looking for help with your model railroad? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions 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 and Trains.com […]
Why does the Reading & Northern seem to have so many covered hoppers?
Covered hoppers on a coal-hauling railroad? It makes perfect sense. Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on model railroading or full-size railroads? 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 […]
What are the duties and responsibilities of a trainmaster?
What are the duties and responsibilities of a trainmaster? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on model railroading or full-size railroads? 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 […]
What tools and glues do I need for kitbashing a vehicle?
Q: I have an HO scale plastic bus. I want to cut out a section in the middle in order to shorten it. I’m looking for suggestions as to what tools and techniques will give me the best results when cutting out the sections of roof, sides, and undercarriage. I’m also looking for suggestions as […]
Why do some of the major railroads use concrete ties while others don’t?
Concrete ties are gaining in popularity. But what’s the difference between the two? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on model railroading or full-size railroads? 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 […]
Were water barrels on platforms used on wooden trestles or steel trestles? How were they kept filled?
After viewing photos of trestles, this reader noticed water barrels on platforms spaced along the trestle, which then sparked a series of questions. Were these used only on wooden trestles? Or were they also needed on steel trestles? How were the barrels kept filled? And did they have covers to reduce evaporation? Cody answers all […]
What’s the difference between HOn3 and HO scale?
What is the difference between HOn3 and HO scale? Track? Rolling stock and equipment size? What size buildings are used for each? All the interesting steam engines seem to be HOn3. Can they be used interchangeably with HO on a layout? – Jon LaVasseur, Minneapolis, Minn. A: The answer to your question lies in the […]
Bending and soldering track feeders to your rails
Q: I was talking to a fellow model railroader about soldering track feeders to the rail. He said to bend the wire, then solder it to the joint between the two rails. Couldn’t I just lay the power wire alongside the rail and solder it that way? Or is there a reason that it has […]
How can I find an older article on adding a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0?
Need to add a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask […]