Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss techniques to repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola. To learn more about the car being discussed you can find more information about the car at postwarlionel.com. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size […]
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? […]
In this article we’ll look at five ways to clean track. If you want to get a lively debate started amongst model railroaders, ask them the best way to clean track. Some prefer abrasive blocks, like the Bright Boy, while others turn to any number of cleaning solvents, homemade or commercial cleaning cars, or off-the-shelf […]
Q: I’m going to scratchbuild a two-track telltale for both of my tunnel entrances. I have a couple of questions. How are railroad telltales made? What material did the railroads use? For a double track, would there be one long bar or two separate bars with the telltales on them? – Wes Barteck A: I […]
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 […]
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 […]
Handy tools for DCC wiring projects: I talked about soldering irons, solder, heat sinks, tip cleaners and other handy tools for DCC wiring in the August 2017 DCC Corner column. I’m not going to repeat that, but I want to provide an update. Some soldering irons can leak current through their tips if they’re not […]
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 […]
Weathering N scale locomotives: Our Canadian Canyon N scale layout just wasn’t complete without locomotives and rolling stock to bring it to life. Running through rugged mountain terrain, the bright red Canadian Pacific road units quickly accumulate a layer of grime. Road dust on the trucks, fuel tank, side frames, and pilots; soot around the exhaust […]
Q: What are the gray SPMX covered hoppers for? I see them everywhere, but never moving. – Carol Schuler A: SPMX is a relatively new reporting mark – so new that it doesn’t show up yet on many of the websites I use for reference. But that reporting mark belongs to Shell Polymers. That’s a […]
Five tips for blending backgrounds: While scenery at the outside edge of a layout may pose some difficulties (see my story “Scenery on the edge” in Model Railroad Planning 2017), the back of the layout also has its challenges. The abrupt change in the model scene from horizontal to vertical at the backdrop demands we do […]
Q: I want to use Tony Koester’s method to control a turnout with a slide switch. Do you know if he powers the frog with this switch or just moves the points? If he powers the frog, how is it wired? – Don DeLay A: The technique to control a turnout with a slide switch […]
