Cody Grivno answers this question: Is there anything that can dissolve superglue? Got a modeling question for us? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Dissolving superglue
Section: Beginners
Genesee & Wyoming locomotives in California
Cody Grivno answer this question: What are the Tier four units Genesee & Wyoming uses on the San Joaquin Valley in California? Send us an email to AskTrains@trains.com. And if you have more questions, leave that information in the comments field below. […]
How lumber is shipped on the railroads
Q: I have made several stacks of scale 4 x 8 plywood for use as scenery on my HO scale layout. I place them as boxcar loads, but was wondering how lumber is shipped on the railroads? Was plywood in fact shipped in boxcars, or were other types of railcars used? – David Bellamy, Caledon, […]
Where can I find HO scale models of the modern Big Boy tenders?
Union Pacific’s big boy steam locomotive is popular with rail fans and modelers alike. Hans Leys is looking to find HO scale models of the modern Big Boy water tenders. Cody shares where they are available for purchase. […]
Ask MR: Will lubrication quiet a noisy locomotive?
Q: I have an older Atlas HO scale GP7 that has developed a whirring sound in one of its gear towers when it runs in reverse (long hood forward). I’m guessing this sound may be caused by a lack of lubricant in the gear tower, or perhaps that the lubricant has dried out. Do you concur […]
Information on coupler conversion
Steve King wants to know where to find information about changing couplers or making compatible cars from other manufacturers. Cody Grivno is in the studio to share resources. […]
What’s in that gondola?
John Martin has seen gondolas with Fiberglas hoods, and he wants to know what they’re transporting. Those cars also roll through Model Railroader’s hometown. Cody Grivno offers some ideas on what those gondolas are carrying. […]
Does cab interior green have a name?
James Dudzik is looking for the name of the green used on locomotive cab and caboose interiors. Well, it actually goes by a few different names, as Cody Grivno explains in this episode of AskTrains.com. […]
Ask MR: Help! My steam locomotive’s front trucks keep derailing
Q: I have two HO scale steam engines that both have the same problem. Their front trucks are always derailing. They are very light. Do you have any ideas how to fix this? – Ted Zieger A: Your locomotives’ front trucks should want to stay on the track of their own accords. If they’re derailing, […]
Where do locomotive crews go to the bathroom?
Eric Schrowang wants to know where locomotive crews go to the bathroom. Cody Grivno shows where chemical retention toilets are located on cab and hood units. […]
The pros and cons of Belpaire fireboxes
Rick Bowers wants to know the advantages and disadvantages of Belpair fireboxes. Steve Sweeney uses magazine articles and prototype photos to answer Rick’s question. […]
Ask MR: What is dynamic braking and how does it work?
Q: What is dynamic braking on trains? – Mark Kroll A: Unlike a typical diesel-powered car or truck, a diesel locomotive doesn’t have a direct mechanical linkage between its diesel engine and its wheels. These locomotives are more properly called diesel-electrics. Rather than turning a driveshaft that drives the wheels, the engine (or “prime mover”) […]
