How do you make paint handles for airbrushing?

Ask Trains logo

Do you need help controlling the main body and the cab while painting? Cody shows viewers how to fashion paint handles out of everyday items found in your home in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about tools for model railroading? Would you like to learn more about prototype trains? Send us […]

Read More…

How do you find specific curved end railings?

Ask Trains logo

How do you find specific curved end railings? Sometimes it can be hard to find a commercial part for the prototype’s specific details. Cody shows viewers how to make their own curved end railings in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about specific details for your model trains? Would you like to […]

Read More…

How to repair or replace broken/missing couplers?

Ask Trains logo

How to repair or replace broken/missing couplers? Cody shares ways to take care of couplers in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about model railroading? Would you like to learn more about prototype trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers […]

Read More…

Three ways to entice viewers with storefront window displays

a storefront with shoes on display

Storefront window displays are one way a modeler can make a building on a layout look inhabited without having to detail the entire interior. It’s a way to simplify the process while engaging viewers and hobbyists. A building can look fabulous on the outside with eye-catching signs and prototypically weathered brick walls, but if the […]

Read More…

Where can I buy large-scale rolling stock decals?

White boxcar with purple lettering

Large-scale rolling stock decals: Unlike modeling scales with specific definitions like HO scale (1:87.1) or N scale (1:160), the term “large scale” actually encompasses a variety of modeling proportions (generally from 1:13.7 down to 1:32). This segments the market into small pieces. Because of the limited customer base, there are few commercially made decal options […]

Read More…

Cutting up a 4×8 table

A sheet of graph paper with four sketches showing ways to cut up a sheet of plywood

A lot of model railroads – and model railroaders – start out with that old standby, the 4 x 8-foot train table. The main reason is convenience; 4 x 8 feet is the size of a standard sheet of plywood. Extruded-foam insulation board, a popular train layout scenic foundation material, also comes in that size. […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…

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

Ask Trains logo

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 […]

Read More…

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

Ask Trains logo

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 […]

Read More…

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

Ask Trains logo

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 […]

Read More…

Five tips for creating a summery scene

a diorama of a yellow and gray house with figures in the driveway

Five tips for creating a summery scene: Summer is a time for gathering outside with family and friends. There are a lot of nostalgic activities that can be modeled to remind us of a hot, summer day — perhaps even of a specific childhood memory. Most of my fondest memories happen during summer months, so […]

Read More…