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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Choosing a command system

A LionChief set power supply with FasTrack terminal section

When choosing a command system, you may encounter starter sets from three current train makers: Lionel, MTH, and Williams by Bachmann. The Bachmann sets have conventionally controlled locomotives and are operated by a traditional power supply, where speed is manipulated with a dial or lever raising or lowering track power. Lionel LionChief sets feature locomotives […]

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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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Adding track on the cheap

Pieces of Lionel Fastrack

There is an astonishing (and confusing) variety of track available, and you may wish to “mix and match” brands. For example, you may want to use an operating section for triggering a dump car, but it isn’t available in your track brand. You can transition to tubular track, insert a traditional activation section, and transition […]

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How to build a track cleaning car

How to build a simple track cleaning car – MR contributor Gerry Leone shares instructions for making your own rolling innovation for cleaning the rails of your model railroad! From Gerry’s workbench, you’ll see the tools, materials, and simple techniques needed to shape a railcar and a small patch of Masonite (hardboard) into an unrelenting […]

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What causes an HO scale Proto 2000 GP30 model to make a weird noise?

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Cody offers several tips and ideas for locating the problem in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help repairing your model trains, or would you like to learn more about full-sized 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 […]

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Ways to turn a train

A pencil sketch on graph paper lists pros and cons of using a wye, a turnback loop, and a turntable to turn trains

Unless you’re content with watching your trains go around and around a simple loop, eventually you’re going to be looking for ways to turn a train. Don’t get me wrong, it’s entirely possible to go through your entire train-operating career and never have to turn a train; maybe you always play the yardmaster, or your […]

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Which manufacturer currently makes an N scale Shay steam locomotive?

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Cody explains where to find an N scale Shay steam locomotive in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help finding locomotive models, or 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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