What is the dome for on the Walthers Plymouth diesel switcher?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno explains what the part is for on this model in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on parts of model railroad equipment, or would you like to learn more about prototype trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and […]

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…

How do you match factory lettering?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno answers “Where can I find information on the correct style and size of lettering for specific railroads?” in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about re-lettering your model trains, or would you like to know more about prototype railroading? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular […]

Read More…

The steam locomotive The General burned wood, not coal. Why?

An ornate, old-fashioned black-and-red 4-4-0 steam locomotive smokes on a wood trestle

Q: The 4-4-0 American steam locomotive The General burned wood for fuel. Why didn’t it burn coal? – Alexander Brennan A: The ubiquitous 4-4-0 model called The General is modeled after a famous prototype – the Confederate locomotive of the same name, which was commandeered by Union spies in 1862 at Big Shanty, Ga. The subsequent pursuit […]

Read More…

Ask MR: How do prototype railroads measure track curvature?

A diagram shows how prototype railroads measure the angle of track curvature using a 100-foot chord.

Measuring track curvature Q: Model railroaders measure curves in inches, which is easily understood.  However, prototype railroads measure their curves in degrees. I’m accustomed to degrees as a measure of angles. How do degrees measure radii? – Alan Crouse A: We modelers measure track curvature by radius because it’s convenient. It’s usually easy to locate the center […]

Read More…

Where to buy a locomotive air horn?

Ask Trains logo

Where to buy a locomotive air horn? Cody Grivno explains what where to look to find these more unique and perhaps rare items in this video of Ask Trains. Caution: These things are meant to be loud for airlines to pass a certification, and have to be between 96 and 110 decibels at 100 feet. […]

Read More…

Ask MR: How to remove locomotive lettering

Scotch tape is partially peeled back from the side of a yellow-and-black boxcar model, lifting some of its black printing.

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to remove locomotive lettering? I have an HO scale Proto 2000 Heritage 2-8-8-2 steam locomotive from which I would like to remove the decals. I was wondering if the decals are on paint, or if they are put straight on the plastic? Can you tell me how […]

Read More…

How do you bevel the edge of an HO scale cork roadbed?

Ask Trains logo

Cody Grivno explains how to bevel the edges of an HO scale cork roadbed in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about model railroading techniques, or would you like to learn more about what real railroads do? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com And if you have any other techniques for beveling […]

Read More…

Made in the USA?

Ask Trains logo

Made in the USA? Cody Grivno answers the question: “What other model railroad manufacturers have products that are made in the USA? Check out the video to find out more. If you have other companies that come to mind, please let us know in the comments field below. If you have other questions about model […]

Read More…