Cody Grivno answers the question: Can you tell me where I can buy a Proto:87 track and wheel gauge? Do you need help tracking down tools for your layout, or would you like more information on full-size railroads? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com And if you model in Proto:87, please leave your tips in the […]
Section: Ask Trains
Ask MR: How can I build a layout if I know I’ll have to leave it?
Q: My wife and I are discussing purchasing our forever home and there are questions about including room for, and the cost of, a MRR layout. I have Parkinson’s Disease, so HO scale is the smallest I can imagine modeling. That scale (or larger) will require a good bit of layout space, plus working space. A […]
How do you model locomotive terminals faithfully?
Cody Grivno explains that by researching terminals in books, as well as images online, you should be able to get a good idea of how to re-create a building using accurate colors and more. Do you have questions about railroad facilities or do you like to learn more about adding them to your model railroad? […]
What’s behind those doors?
Cody Grivno explains what the two little doors on each side of the headlight on an F7 or F9 nose are. He also explains what the MU receptacles (behind the doors) are used for. Do you want to know more about the details on diesel locomotives? Or would you like more information about model railroading? […]
Ask MR: What kind of ballast should I use?
Q: I’m designing an HO scale model railroad that will include an old mountain main line that’s due to be closed after a new bypass line has been constructed. Though my line will be freelanced, some examples of what I’m thinking of would be the old Colorado Midland Hagerman Pass line or the Denver […]
Where do you find specific prototype drawings?
Cody Grivno shows you where to find a specific set of drawings. Are you trying to track down past drawings from MR? Or do you want more information on a prototype locomotive? Our freight car? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Ask MR: Looking for Rock Island Rocket drawings
Q: I’m looking to build an HO scale Rock Island Rocket and its Electro-Motive Corp. TA diesel locomotive. I know that Model Railroader published Rock Island Rocket drawings several years ago (1986 or so), and I was wondering where I might find these plans? I think that the TA plans were reprinted […]
What are the color schemes of tank cars and what are they used for?
Cody Grivno explains different paint schemes of tank cars and what they are used for. Do you have questions about prototype rolling stock? Or, do you want information on how to model them? Drop us an email: AskTrains@trains.com. And, if there are other paint schemes that you’ve seen applied to tank cars, let us know […]
What railroad is my old lantern with CMx on the globe from?
Cody Grivno answers the question about which railroad the lantern with CMx comes from. The markings are actual of the globe manufacturer and not of a particular railroad. If you want to know more about markings on lanterns or structures that you find along the right away. Send us an email to AskTrains@trains.com. And if […]
Railroad side marker: What is the upside down hockey stick for?
Cody Grivno answers the question: I’m curious to know what the railroad side marker seated in the ballast before a grade-level crossing is all about. It appears to look like an upside down metal hockey stick. Please inform me what this marker stood for, and during what years it would have been utilized. […]
Did the Pennsylvania railroad have any Alco RS-2 diesels on its roster?
Cody Grivno answers the question about Pennsy’s roster (noting the importance of diesel rosters to both model railroaders and railfans alike). The RS-2 stayed on the Pennsylvania roster until 1965 when they were retired. Do you have a prototype locomotive roster questions? Or, do you want to learn more about your model railroad? Send us […]
Ask MR: What does a scale test car do?
Q: What was the purpose of a scale car? Was it to check the track, and where was it located in the train? Were all Class 1 railroads required to have these cars? Were there measuring instruments in those cars? I do realize that with today’s technology they are obsolete. – Gilles Bouthillier […]