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Q: I have an HO freelance layout set in the late 70s, so my trains still use cabooses. I’m adding a mountainous section where a freight would need a helper engine to get it up the steep grade. Where would the pusher engine be placed? Is it proper to push the caboose, or should it be cut in […]
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 […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about the extra tracks. Do you have questions about prototype track arrangements? Or, do you have questions about putting track on your model railroad? Let us know. Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about what the two cars behind the two locomotives are in the March 2022 issue of Trains Magazine. So the next time you’re standing trackside and hear an Amtrak train coming, be on the lookout for these new baggage cars. They certainly do stand out in the train. Do you […]
Choosing the right adhesive for model railroads is important. Glues and adhesives bond two or more surfaces in different ways with varying degrees of strength. In model railroading, choosing the right glue or adhesive is often the best way to successfully complete a satisfying model or model railroad layout. Here are five top glue types […]
Q: How do I protect my model railroad from fire? I have re-entered the hobby after many years. My layout will be in a spare bedroom. As I plan my layout, I’ve seen various materials discussed for layout scenery, such as old newsprint, paper towels, foam board, screen, etc. I’ve not seen any mention of […]
Cody Grivno answers the question with resources for finding railroad radio frequencies. You want to know more about railroad communications or you have questions about your model railroad? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com, and if you have other resources for finding railroad radio frequencies, please leave them in the comments field below. […]
Cody Grivno explains the thickness and intricacies of working with the tempered hardboard. Do you have questions about the products that we use for magazine articles or for videos, or do you want to learn more about full size trains? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Q: I model the Missouri Pacific and am familiar with its fleet of dedicated Eagle Merchandise Service boxcars. These cars were not to be used in interchange service and remained on home tracks. How many other railroads had a similar service, and what were they called? – Carl Storms A: While relatively few railroads had […]
Cody Grivno answers another request regarding prototype drawings and how to locate them. There is an online archive to access older Model Railroader issues. Hard copies may be harder to come by. Do you need help tracking down an old drawing in MR? Or, are you looking for information on prototype trains? Send us an […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about finding out of production parts for a Roundhouse Ready-to-Roll HOn3 2-Truck Shay. If you’re looking for old parts or models, or you want to learn more about full trains, send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com. And if you have other sources for Pete to find gears for his Roundhouse Shay, […]
Q: While browsing a railcar photo site, I came across an interesting Burlington Northern car. The photo’s caption calls it an “air repeater car.” What is its intended purpose? Where is it mainly used? – Tom Huffman, Fort Worth, Texas A: An air repeater car is used to keep up the pressure in brake air […]
