Cody Grivno explains the functions of the equipment in the photo. He identifies the equipment as a gauge face lubrication system produced by Lincoln. Do you want to know more about the details on tracks? Or would you like more information about model railroading? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Q: What is a lift frog and why are they used? – Bob Kolankoski, Scranton, Pa. A: Flange-bearing frogs, also known as lift frogs, jump frogs, or more colloquially leap frogs, are used on switches or diamonds where the main route sees far more traffic than the secondary. On a traditional tread-bearing frog, the flangeways […]
Q: What kind of cargo is in those gondolas I see that have rounded covers on them? – John Martin A: That depends on the kind of covers you’re talking about. If the gondola in question has low sides and the cover is a tall one with lifting and stacking brackets on it, it’s a […]
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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. […]
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, […]
