Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Microbrush applicators have myriad uses in a model railroader’s workshop. Learn about these useful tools with Model Railroader Senior Editor Dana Kawala. If you need to stock up on microbrushes, get some at the Kalmbach Hobby Store! […]
Train Topic: Beginners
Stuff We Use: How to use microbrush applicators
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Microbrush applicators have myriad uses in a model railroader’s workshop. Learn about these useful tools with Model Railroader Senior Editor Dana Kawala. If you need to stock up on microbrushes, get some at the Kalmbach Hobby Store! […]
ASK TRAINS: How do you operate two steam locomotives together?
On West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad, engine crews with three Shay locomotives signal each other with whistles for moves and stops. TRAINS: Steve Sweeney Q: When you have two steam engines together, how does the second engineer know how much throttle to give? — Dennis E. Schardt, Sr., Summerdale, Pa. A: We get asked this […]
Ask Trains: Maps that show train frequencies
Q: Do you know if any publications, or any web pages, blogs, or any Internet resource that maintains a U.S. map that shows frequency of train service? — Frank Norris, Santa Fe, N.M. A: Simply put, no such resource exists as railroads hold traffic data as proprietary. The best way to learn about railroad operations, […]
Ask Trains: When will C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 steam again?
Steam locomotive restoration specialist Gary Bensman cuts out staybolts for replacement on Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 in 2017. TRAINS: Jim Wrinn Q: Can anyone provide a definitive status on whether Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 will be running in 2019? — Richard Eaton, Chevy Chase, Md. A: Railfans and railroad preservationists […]
ASK TRAINS: Why Big Boy’s bell is painted red on the inside
Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 pauses overnight at Rawlins, Wyo., in May 2019. Big Boy’s bell is painted red to keep it looking clean and well-kept. 19143-50 Ryan Nicolay Q: Why are the insides of the bells on Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 and 4-8-4 No. 844 painted red? — Scott Zygutis, Antioch, […]
Ask MRVP Episode 44
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve got the questions and David’s got the answers (well, most of them) in this month’s Ask MRVP! Topics covered include curve radii, styrene measurements, scaling up an N scale layout, foam board for layout construction, puffball tree videos, weathering ballast, doghouses, and […]
Ask MRVP Episode 44
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve got the questions and David’s got the answers (well, most of them) in this month’s Ask MRVP! Topics covered include curve radii, styrene measurements, scaling up an N scale layout, foam board for layout construction, puffball tree videos, weathering ballast, doghouses, and […]
Ask Trains: How does the Big Boy distribute weight to its front drivers?
A side view of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 on a test run in May 2019. TRAINS: Jim Wrinn Q: With interest in the completion Union Pacific’s Big Boy’s restoration, how does the weight of the boiler get down to the front drivers? — Carl Amerlan, Downers Grove, Ill. A: Great question! As an […]
Ask Trains: Why was Big Boy No. 4014 picked to be restored?
Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 arrives in downtown Cheyenne, Wyo., on May 4, 2019. The locomotive was chosen for restoration for a variety of reasons. TRAINS Staff Q: I may have missed it, but why was UP 4014 picked over all other displayed Big Boys? — Tom Otoski, Dayton, Ohio A: A combination […]
Blue bearing caps
This blue roller bearing cap is a Brenco Class K 6 1⁄2 x 9 model. These are more common as half of the freight-car fleet is made of heavier cars. Bucyrus Railcar Repair Q Why are the roller bearing caps of some freight cars painted blue? – Nathan Penn, Monmouth, Ill. A In 1988, the […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 43
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page But wait…there’s more! More from Ask MRVP host David Popp, as he shares answers to questions YOU have about couplers, track cleaining, ballast options, painting techniques, and other topics in the model railroading hobby. […]