How do you bevel the edge of an HO scale cork roadbed?

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Cody Grivno explains how to bevel the edges of an HO scale cork roadbed in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about model railroading techniques, or would you like to learn more about what real railroads do? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com And if you have any other techniques for beveling […]

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Made in the USA?

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Made in the USA? Cody Grivno answers the question: “What other model railroad manufacturers have products that are made in the USA? Check out the video to find out more. If you have other companies that come to mind, please let us know in the comments field below. If you have other questions about model […]

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10 tips for beginning layout builders

A translucent green track-planning stencil is surrounded by notes and diagrams

10 tips for beginning layout builders: Trains.com has thousands of articles, images, and videos. Here, we’ve collected ten links to some of the best stories for people just starting on their layout-building adventure.   1. Learning to use a track template Track planning is an essential step in the construction of a model railroad layout. […]

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Ask MR: What were the Big Four railroads?

An HO scale scene of tank cars spotted at a loading rack, with storage tanks and an oil well nearby

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 […]

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Where do you find HO scale American flags?

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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 […]

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Ask MR: What does an oil field scene need?

An HO scale scene of tank cars spotted at a loading rack, with storage tanks and an oil well nearby.

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 […]

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Where do you find factory assembled speeders?

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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 […]

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Ask MR: How do I gap track that’s already laid?

A razor saw cuts track glued down to blue expanded-foam insulation board.

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 […]

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