The Big Four: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Ry. Q: Before my father-in-law passed away some years ago, we’d talk about the trains of long ago. As a boy, he loved to watch rail traffic pass by his childhood home in Pana, Ill. He mentioned the “Big Four” rail lines but couldn’t remember what […]
Q: Where do you find HO scale American flags? Cody Grivno explains where you can find Old Glory to put on your model railroad. There are several options mentioned in this video, so check it out. Do you have other questions about model railroading, or would you like to know more about full-Size trains? Send […]
Q: Where do you find street signs? Cody Grivno explains where you can find street signs in HO, N and O scales for your model railroad. He suggests checking out Blair Line LLC. Each set from this company includes over 130 different street names as well as scale, 3″ diameter posts. They have a really […]
Q: I’m planning to model Farmington, N.M., on my HOn3 model railroad. I’ve studied the article “Railroading in the Oil Fields” in the January 1960 Model Railroader to learn as much as possible about creating a realistic model of an oil field. The article has some very detailed information. An Internet search for Farmington gave me a photo of the […]
Cody Grivno looks up possible speeders for readers that are looking to add these to their model railroads. For instance, you can look at eBay or at swap meets for them. Walthers does make a kit that includes one called the Trackside Structures Set. Do you have questions on full-size maintenance away equipment, or are […]
Peel-and-stick parts: Cody Grivno advises readers on how to properly keep these peel-and-stick parts down. First, remove all flash and imperfections from parts that may cause surface adhering issues, then apply the glue of your choice. Grivno suggests a few good glue options. You might want to try several until you find the one that […]
Q: I have an HO freelance layout set in the late 70s, so my trains still use cabooses. I’m adding a mountainous section where a freight would need a helper engine to get it up the steep grade. Where would the pusher engine be placed? Is it proper to push the caboose, or should it be cut in […]
Q: How can N scale code 80 nickel-silver track that’s already in place and anchored to a layout be cut for block separation? What are the pros and cons of any methods suggested? The track is a combination of Bachmann EZ Track, Kato Unitrack, Atlas sectional and flextrack, and Peco sectional and flextrack. – Pete […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about the extra tracks. Do you have questions about prototype track arrangements? Or, do you have questions about putting track on your model railroad? Let us know. Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about what the two cars behind the two locomotives are in the March 2022 issue of Trains Magazine. So the next time you’re standing trackside and hear an Amtrak train coming, be on the lookout for these new baggage cars. They certainly do stand out in the train. Do you […]
Q: How do I protect my model railroad from fire? I have re-entered the hobby after many years. My layout will be in a spare bedroom. As I plan my layout, I’ve seen various materials discussed for layout scenery, such as old newsprint, paper towels, foam board, screen, etc. I’ve not seen any mention of […]
Cody Grivno answers the question with resources for finding railroad radio frequencies. You want to know more about railroad communications or you have questions about your model railroad? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com, and if you have other resources for finding railroad radio frequencies, please leave them in the comments field below. […]
