Concrete ties are gaining in popularity. But what’s the difference between the two? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on model railroading or full-size railroads? 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 […]
After viewing photos of trestles, this reader noticed water barrels on platforms spaced along the trestle, which then sparked a series of questions. Were these used only on wooden trestles? Or were they also needed on steel trestles? How were the barrels kept filled? And did they have covers to reduce evaporation? Cody answers all […]
What is the difference between HOn3 and HO scale? Track? Rolling stock and equipment size? What size buildings are used for each? All the interesting steam engines seem to be HOn3. Can they be used interchangeably with HO on a layout? – Jon LaVasseur, Minneapolis, Minn. A: The answer to your question lies in the […]
Q: I was talking to a fellow model railroader about soldering track feeders to the rail. He said to bend the wire, then solder it to the joint between the two rails. Couldn’t I just lay the power wire alongside the rail and solder it that way? Or is there a reason that it has […]
Need to add a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]
Passenger car fluting style references Passenger car fluting style references: Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]
What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]
American Model Builders N&W caboose Looking for a certain article or video? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. 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 […]
Preorder a specific locomotive Limited run is the name of the game in model railroading today. So how do you make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite locomotive or freight car? You need to place a preorder. Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more […]
Q: I plan to add Soo Line Mikado 1003 to my railroad empire. In looking for an appropriate model to start with, I need to know if it is a light or heavy Mikado. How do I tell the difference? – Gary Salzmann A: I’ll answer your second question – how to tell the difference between […]
Consisting DCC locomotives to run together Q: Can you provide a simple procedure for pairing locomotives in a consist? One locomotive is pulling or pushing the one in front. – Stephen J. Szypula A: In Digital Command Control parlance, grouping locomotives so they all respond at once to the same throttle commands is called consisting. There […]
What is the purpose of the round, concave metal discs located on the frame of locomotives just inside the stairs, both front and rear, four altogether facing fore and aft on locomotives of the GP9 era? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about details on diesel locomotives, […]
