How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?: I have a Kato N scale RS3 locomotive (17708) from back in the 1980s. I'm considering swapping out the wheels with traction tires for those without. I've been in contact with Kato USA and they're unable to help, and Kato Japan doesn't provide support outside Japan. I've found these locomotives on eBay, but they are priced at $200. I'm looking for either a junker I can use for spares, or just a couple of replacement wheelsets. Can you help?

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 […]

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How do I add terrain to open grid benchwork?

A 4 x 8-foot table with plywood terrain at different heights, on a white background

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 […]

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Use an LED to indicate turnout direction

A small panel next to a model railroad turnout has a toggle switch and two red and green LEDs

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 […]

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What are the purposes of locomotive lights?

What do different locomotive lights represent?: Everyone knows about the headlight on the front of a locomotive and why it is there. But what are some of the other lights you see on locomotives today and in the past? What is their meaning, how are they used, and what different colors are they?

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 […]

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What is a double barrel hopper train?

double barrel hopper train: I saw a reference to "double barrel hopper train" a few months back and cannot seem to find out what it means. Does anyone know?

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 […]

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Why do some railroads use concrete ties versus wood ties?

Two railroad tracks with concrete ties stretch into the distance between concrete and chain-link safety fences

Q: Why do some railroads use concrete ties versus wood ties? I live near Altoona, Pa., where the Norfolk Southern runs, and they use all wood ties. – Mark Kroll A: There are a few reasons why a railroad might choose concrete ties over wood ties, but generally they all boil down to economics. Concrete […]

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Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

How many coal hoppers are currently in the U.S.? With the decline in use of coal-fired power plants, can any of these cars be re-purposed?

Cody discusses how many coal gondolas in the US remain, and the different ways railroads repurpose the remaining coal gondolas in the US as domestic coal production declines. 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 […]

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What article talked about modeling a cereal plant?

A dark blue switch engine pulls a boxcar past a cluster of tanks and silos

Q: Has Model Railroader ever done a feature on modeling a cereal plant such as Kellogg’s or Post? I’m building a 12″ by 10′-6″ shelf layout which will be entirely that one industry. But I’m not sure how best to lay out the various structures and car spots for covered hoppers, boxcars, food-grade tank cars, […]

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How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

Model a woodchip unloading system: You did a video in August about woodchip unloading. I was wondering about the lift you showed a picture of. Do you know if anyone has ever done one of these hydraulic lifts in HO scale? If not, do you have any suggestions about kitbashing or scratchbuilding one?

Cody explains how to properly model a woodchip gondola unloader, through kitbashing, custom building, and a Walthers rotary dumper kit. 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 […]

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What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

difference in price between manufacturers: Have you ever compared rolling stock from different manufacturers and noted the reasons for the price differences? (Level of detail, quality, reliability, etc.) My initial interest is in open hoppers for coal mining operations.

Cody addresses the difference in price between manufacturers in model railroading, and what the different lines offered by certain manufacturers offer. 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 […]

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How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

Cody aScratchbuild right-of-way details: I'm going to scratchbuild a two-track telltale for both of my tunnel entrances. I have a couple of questions. 1. What material did the railroads use for the telltales that hung down over the rails? 2. For a double track would there be one long bar or two separate bars with the telltales on them?

Cody answers how to scratchbuild right-of-way details for model railroading. 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 editors answer the questions readers […]

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