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What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

optimal configuration for power and controls: I'm building a new model railroad and trying to plan ahead for more advanced multi-train applications in the future. Is TMCC (Train Master Command Control) still the way to configure power and controls? l've heard that Lionel is moving toward Bluetooth train control applications for phone and tablets.

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss the optimal configuration for power and controls in model railroading, and technological advancements in this field model railroad enthusiasts can expect to see soon. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? […]

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

Ask Trains.com: I have two problems with Lionel O gauge. First is the 153 block signal with a 153c contactor that you adjust the nut to go green to red. Second is a 140 Banjo signal with a 145c track contactor. When the train goes over it does nothing. The red light will come on. Of course the track is bolted down to the board so they can not pull apart. Can you tell me what is wrong? Lionel contact issues

Cody is joined by Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller to identify possible contact issues with a reader’s Lionel O gauge layout. 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 […]

What is the correct fan configuration on an SD45?

Fan configuration on an SD45: Ask Trains.com: I'm modeling a Northern Pacific SD45 and I want to upgrade it with Cannon & Co. see-through fans. I have one package with two fans and more on order. How many and what location are these fans appropriate?

Cody helps a reader identify the correct fan configuration on an SD45. 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 […]

Where can I locate a track plan?

Ask Trains.com: Sometime during this past year I found an article and track plan by lain Rice. The story was titled "Versatile Room-Size Layout," and the name on the track plan name was Chicago & North Western and Vienna & Carthage. Do you have any way to locate the article and track plan?

Cody helps a reader locate a track plan. Find Model Railroad Planning 2012 and How to Build Small Model Railroads on the Kalmbach Hobby Store. This track plan can also be found in Model Railroader’s track plan database. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size […]

Can railroad materials be reused?

Ask Trains.com: Just back from a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer and noticed lots of old concrete and wood ties stacked in piles in many places and lots of rails resting along the active track and large quantities of tie plates and spikes stacked near the active track. Does the railroad intend to reuse this material or do they recycle it?

Cody addresses applicable cases for railroad track material reuse. 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 and […]

Can railroad materials be reused?

How railroads transport different types of steel

Ask trains.com: What are the rules and regulations for hauling steel beams, sheet metal and rolled steel? In dealing with the steel beams, do they go by the weight of the beam or by the thickness of the beam? In dealing with sheet metal loads do they go by thickness or quantity of the sheet metal load? In dealing with the rolled steel how wide is the metal, thickness and number of feet in the roll? - James Shepard

Cody discusses the rules and regulations around the transport of steel products by rail. 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 […]

What’s in a locomotive number?

Ask Traisn.com: I have noticed multiple cases where a local or regional railroad buys a locomotive from a Class One, then the unit gets repinted in the new owner's colors, but doesn't change the numbers. Why? - Rick Marsh.

Cody discusses locomotive numbering in this installment 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 for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer the questions readers […]

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 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 for magazine subscribers and Trains.com […]

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

Ask Trains.com: Has the railroad industry thought about putting solar panels on the diesel locomotives yet? I believe that would save money in the long run. Save on fuel costs too.

Cody discusses the application of solar power in the rail industry. 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 […]