Ask MR: How long must a point-to-point layout be?

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Question: What is the smallest point-­to-­point layout that doesn’t look like just a section of test track? How long does a shelf layout have to be to look like a working operation could be taking place? – Richard Helton, Meridian, Idaho Answer: That’s a matter of taste and perception, not something that can be quantified […]

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Ask MR: What do different TTX marks signify?

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Question: I have six freshly painted brass O scale auto racks that I need decals for. I’ve found some TTX flatcar sets that might be close. Do auto racks have special letters before or after the reporting mark different from those on a regular TTX flatcar? – Tom Champley, Oregon, Ill. Answer: Yes. Each type […]

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Ask MR: When were knuckle couplers instituted?

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Question: What type of couplers should be used for various types of cars (freight, passenger, Railway Post Office, Express, etc.) for the era between 1890 and 1920? – Michael Prahl, Cedar Falls, Iowa Answer: What kind of couplers you use isn’t dependent on the type or class of car; all classes of car had to […]

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Ask Trains

Questions and Answers about full-sized, model, modern, and historic trains, from across Trains.com […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 52

Host David Popp has scores of your hobby-related questions to address in his triumphant return to MRVP headquarters! As he tools around the MR workshop, MR&T layout, and other popular project railroads (several are up for sale!), he tackles inquiries regarding benchwork, trackwork, wiring, scenery, and so much more. […]

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Ask MR: What’s a control point?

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Question: I’ve been noticing the term “control points” (CPs) being used in train-watching videos and in your magazine. The article on John Schindler’s amazing St. Louis Junction [March 2020] mentions CPs including West Madison, Gratiot, and Chicago Throat. Canadian Pacific’s Paynesville Sub has CP 115 and CP 70. This tells me CPs can be designated […]

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Ask MR: Got any ideas for an uncoupling tool?

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Question: I model in N scale. I’m having problems uncoupling the cars. Is there a tool out there to assist with this task, or do you have a suggestion on how to make this easier? – William Semanko, Junction City, Kan. Answer: Many N scalers like yourself uncouple their cars by inserting the point of […]

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Ask MR: Where can I find scale drawings of the K-27?

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Question: When I was young, my father collected issues of Model Railroader. Some issues were lost when we moved. One of the lost issues contained scale drawings of the Denver & Rio Grande outside-frame narrow gauge 2-8-2 steam locomotive. I’d be very happy to know if such a scale drawing can still be bought. I’ve […]

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Ask MR: How best to shrink a structure’s footprint?

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Question: I’m in a conundrum and would love to hear an expert’s opinion. I’m planning to build a replica of an Alexandria, Minn., cold storage building for our club’s HO scale layout. If the structure is to fit the space, it will have to be selectively compressed, compromising its accuracy. To remain proportionally accurate, it […]

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