Ask Trains.com

ALL our videos address railroad or model railroad questions. One per video!
What are the purposes of locomotive lights?

What are the purposes of locomotive lights?

What are the purposes of locomotive lights?: Cody discusses the various lights present on diesel...

Why is the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track assymetrical?

Why is the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track assymetrical?

Cody discusses the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track, and provides insights into...

What is a double barrel hopper train?

What is a double barrel hopper train?

Cody explains the double barrel hopper train with input from Trains Magazine columnist Bill Stephens. Are...

Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

Cody discusses how many coal gondolas in the US remain, and the different ways railroads...

How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

Cody explains how to properly model a woodchip gondola unloader, through kitbashing, custom building, and...

What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

Cody addresses the difference in price between manufacturers in model railroading, and what the different...

How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

Cody answers how to scratchbuild right-of-way details for model railroading. Are you looking to learn...

How do I repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola?

How do I repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola?

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss techniques to...

What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss the optimal...

What is causing contact issues on my Lionel O gauge layout?

What is causing contact issues on my Lionel O gauge layout?

Cody is joined by Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller to identify possible contact issues...

What is the correct fan configuration on an SD45?

What is the correct fan configuration on an SD45?

Cody helps a reader identify the correct fan configuration on an SD45. Are you looking...

Where can I locate a track plan?

Where can I locate a track plan?

Cody helps a reader locate a track plan. Find Model Railroad Planning 2012 and How...

Can railroad materials be reused?

Can railroad materials be reused?

Cody addresses applicable cases for railroad track material reuse. Are you looking to learn more...

How railroads transport different types of steel

How railroads transport different types of steel

Cody discusses the rules and regulations around the transport of steel products by rail. Are...

What’s in a locomotive number?

What’s in a locomotive number?

Cody discusses locomotive numbering in this installment of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn...

What is the difference between a coach and a chair car?

What is the difference between a coach and a chair car?

Cody addresses the differences between a coach and a chair car in this installment of...

Has the railroad industry considered adding solar panels to diesel locomotives?

Has the railroad industry considered adding solar panels to diesel locomotives?

Cody discusses the application of solar power in the rail industry. Are you looking to...

Where do you find replacement parts for out of production locomotives?

Where do you find replacement parts for out of production locomotives?

Cody helps track down specific parts in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help...

How do you change the different colored numbers on a freight car without damaging the paint?

How do you change the different colored numbers on a freight car without damaging the paint?

What do you do if you have a car that has different colored numbers on...

Is it possible to replace my model’s couplers with Micro-Trains Magne-Matic couplers?

Is it possible to replace my model’s couplers with Micro-Trains Magne-Matic couplers?

Replacing the couplers Need to replace the couplers on your scale model? Cody answers this...