How can I restore the wet water look on my layout?

How to restore the wet water look: A scrap of paper towel is used to wipe dust from the surface of a modeled river

Q: Years ago, I used Liquitex Gloss Medium to create the water in two rivers on my layout. Now, I’ve noticed that they’re not as glossy as they once were. I periodically use a Woodland Scenics Dust Dabber and a wide, soft paintbrush to remove dust from the surface. How would you recommend that I clean the […]

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How can I fill in rail gaps on my N scale layout?

Tweezers are used to insert a strip of white styrene in a rail gap on a handmade turnout

Q: After carefully measuring and cutting rail, too often there is still a gap between the rail ends that some of my N scale cars don’t like. I’ve been trying some different fillers, but it’s a challenge for N gauge. Any suggestions for a gap filler? – Steven Simmerman A: Hi, Steven. Some rail gaps […]

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What are those cylindrical mini tanks on tank cars used for?

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Not all tank cars have these. Cody explains what this particular part is used for in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about modern freight car components? Or do you have a question about something on your model railroad? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of […]

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Is there a passenger set or caboose to go with the Lionel T&P steam engine?

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Cody helps a viewer track down products in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about model railroading? Would you like to learn more 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 […]

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What is the best way to replicate mortar joints on styrene kit walls?

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Cody offers five tips in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about model railroading? Would you like to learn more 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 and viewers […]

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

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Cody helps track down specific parts in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help tracking down auto production parts? Would you like to learn more about full-size railroading? 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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Where do you find replacement parts for specific models/projects?

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Cody helps track down specific parts in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help tracking down parts for your kitbashing project? Would you like to learn more about prototype railroading? 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 […]

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What is the wand used for that comes with the Rapido RDC Budd car?

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Cody helps discover the use for the wand in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about items included with your models? Would you like to learn more 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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What is the protocol for railroad grade crossing collisions?

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Cody explains grade crossing accidents in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about full-size railroads, or would you like to learn more about model 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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Why are wheel flanges on the inside of train wheels?

Q: Is there a relatively simple answer to the question as to why you find the wheel flanges on the inside rather than the outside of the rail on railroad engines and cars? – Gerald Roberts A: Who knows what thought went into that decision way back when. The real answer might come down to “because […]

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