Q: I have an N scale Athearn EMD F45 locomotive with factory DCC and sound, released in 2016. I bought it new, and it worked until I activated different sounds, after which it shorted out. As soon as track power is turned on, my circuit breaker trips. When I tried bypassing the circuit breaker, it shorted […]
Have railroads considered side-view or backup cameras on locomotives? Cody discusses locomotive-mounted cameras, their purpose, and whether or not railroads have considered side-view or backup cameras on locomotives. 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 […]
How are repairs performed in remote areas? Cody discusses how railroad repairs are performed in remote areas following derailments, where road access can be limited. 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 […]
How is plywood shipped by rail? Cody discusses how plywood is shipped by rail. Looking to learn more about how lumber is transported by rail? Read Jeff Wilson’s The Model Railroader’s Guide to Industries Along the Trakcks, Vol. 4, available from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, […]
What instrument would have been used as a railroad dinner chime? Cody answers a reader’s question about what instrument was often used as the railroad dinner chime prompted by an article in the the January 1941 issue of Trains magazine titled “Meals en route.” Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or […]
Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: Cody helps a viewer find a specific X-Acto cutting mat with 1/8″ or 1/10″ cutting squares as seen in a Model Railroader story story from January 2023. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]
How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets? Cody provides tips for finding out of production locomotive wheelsets at various locations, from online bidding sites to the consignment section of a local model railroad shops. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]
Q: I have built three HO scale railroads and am in the planning stages of my fourth, which will be my last. I want to do this one right. I have seen many articles about how to construct open grid benchwork, but none provide instructions about how to install structures, roads, fields, etc. into the […]
Q: I would like to add red and green lights to my HO scale Peco turnouts. How would I use an LED to indicate turnout direction? – Joseph Chiarolanzio A: There’s a simple way to do it, but it depends on your turnout being powered. The easiest way is if you’re using a Tortoise by […]
What are the purposes of locomotive lights?: Cody discusses the various lights present on diesel locomotives and what functions they serve. 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 […]
Cody discusses the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track, and provides insights into the structure of Atlas code 100 track. 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 […]
Cody explains the double barrel hopper train with input from Trains Magazine columnist Bill Stephens. 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 members, where […]
