Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

How many coal hoppers are currently in the U.S.? With the decline in use of coal-fired power plants, can any of these cars be re-purposed?

Cody discusses how many coal gondolas in the US remain, and the different ways railroads repurpose the remaining coal gondolas in the US as domestic coal production declines. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains […]

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How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

Model a woodchip unloading system: You did a video in August about woodchip unloading. I was wondering about the lift you showed a picture of. Do you know if anyone has ever done one of these hydraulic lifts in HO scale? If not, do you have any suggestions about kitbashing or scratchbuilding one?

Cody explains how to properly model a woodchip gondola unloader, through kitbashing, custom building, and a Walthers rotary dumper kit. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for […]

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How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

Model a woodchip unloading system: You did a video in August about woodchip unloading. I was wondering about the lift you showed a picture of. Do you know if anyone has ever done one of these hydraulic lifts in HO scale? If not, do you have any suggestions about kitbashing or scratchbuilding one?

Cody explains how to properly model a woodchip gondola unloader, through kitbashing, custom building, and a Walthers rotary dumper kit. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for […]

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Bob Cochran’s Vermont Rail System in HO scale

Trains.com Video features layout owner Bob Cochran and his 22’-10” x 25’-7” HO scale (1:87) Vermont Rail System inspired by Rutland Railroad’s Bellow Falls Subdivision. Bob grew up watching trains of Central Vermont and Boston & Maine across from his childhood home in Bellow Fall, Vt., so you’ll be sure to see plenty of Northeastern […]

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Bob Cochran’s Vermont Rail System in HO scale

Trains.com Video features layout owner Bob Cochran and his 22’-10” x 25’-7” HO scale (1:87) Vermont Rail System inspired by Rutland Railroad’s Bellow Falls Subdivision. Bob grew up watching trains of Central Vermont and Boston & Maine across from his childhood home in Bellow Fall, Vt., so you’ll be sure to see plenty of Northeastern […]

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Rotary snowplow clears Cumbres Pass

Of all the forces that can bring trains to a halt, snow has to be one of the fiercest elements that Mother Nature can throw at a railroad. Keeping the tracks clear is a never-ending battle in the winter months. Depending on the severity, plows and flangers can do a good job winning the battle. […]

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What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

difference in price between manufacturers: Have you ever compared rolling stock from different manufacturers and noted the reasons for the price differences? (Level of detail, quality, reliability, etc.) My initial interest is in open hoppers for coal mining operations.

Cody addresses the difference in price between manufacturers in model railroading, and what the different lines offered by certain manufacturers offer. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com […]

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What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

difference in price between manufacturers: Have you ever compared rolling stock from different manufacturers and noted the reasons for the price differences? (Level of detail, quality, reliability, etc.) My initial interest is in open hoppers for coal mining operations.

Cody addresses the difference in price between manufacturers in model railroading, and what the different lines offered by certain manufacturers offer. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com […]

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Cool railroadiana, a dandy depot, and train repair parts on Bob’s Train Box 86

Bob Keller and Hal Miller discuss train repair parts

This episode, host Bob Keller shows an old New York Central coal service directory. It was a book the railroad gave to customers and those that needed to know the details of its lines in the Appalachians that served mines and loadouts. Then The host shows off a resin depot that looks at home on […]

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Operation Sergeant Santa

The Military Railroad Society, a 501 C3 not for profit organization, returns to provide military families, both current and retired, with an affordable train option for the holidays. The Fort Eustis (Virgnia) Railroad hosted the 2022 operation aboard its train set consisting of holiday-themed cars lead by United States Army (rebuilt) GP9u no. 4624. […]

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How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

Cody aScratchbuild right-of-way details: I'm going to scratchbuild a two-track telltale for both of my tunnel entrances. I have a couple of questions. 1. What material did the railroads use for the telltales that hung down over the rails? 2. For a double track would there be one long bar or two separate bars with the telltales on them?

Cody answers how to scratchbuild right-of-way details for model railroading. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions 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 editors answer the questions readers […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 4 | Cutting curves and building backdrops

David has cleared the deck and marked his track configuration on the plywood, so he’s ready to cut things to pieces! No fears! In this video, he’ll show you how to make accurate measurements, so you can make equally precise cuts. Once those cut parts are assembled, David also shares how to install the styrene […]

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