John Mansueto’s small S gauge layout

two level S gauge track plan

Name: John Mansueto’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 7 x 11½ feet Track and switches: Gilbert American Flyer (maximum diameter is 54 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer, MTH, S-Helper Service Controls: Lionel types RW and ZW transformers, MTH nos. Z-750 […]

Read More…

Were water barrels on platforms used on wooden trestles or steel trestles? How were they kept filled?

Ask Trains logo

After viewing photos of trestles, this reader noticed water barrels on platforms spaced along the trestle, which then sparked a series of questions. Were these used only on wooden trestles? Or were they also needed on steel trestles? How were the barrels kept filled? And did they have covers to reduce evaporation? Cody answers all […]

Read More…

How can I find an older article on adding a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0?

Ask Trains logo

Need to add a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

How can I find an older article on adding a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0?

Ask Trains logo

Need to add a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

Passenger car fluting style references

Passenger car fluting style references Passenger car fluting style references: Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

Ask Trains logo

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

Ask Trains logo

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

Where do I find a specific article/video you did on building an American Model Builders N&W caboose?

Ask Trains logo

American Model Builders N&W caboose Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

Where do I find a specific article/video you did on building an American Model Builders N&W caboose?

Ask Trains logo

American Model Builders N&W caboose Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]

Read More…

How do you preorder a specific locomotive or freight car in certain paint scheme?

Ask Trains logo

Preorder a specific locomotive Limited run is the name of the game in model railroading today. So how do you make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite locomotive or freight car? You need to place a preorder. Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more […]

Read More…

What is the purpose of the round, concave metal discs located on the frame of locomotives?

Ask Trains logo

What is the purpose of the round, concave metal discs located on the frame of locomotives just inside the stairs, both front and rear, four altogether facing fore and aft on locomotives of the GP9 era? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about details on diesel locomotives, […]

Read More…