The Shay locomotive was a widely used North American geared steam locomotive, built to the patents of Ephraim Shay, who is credited with the popularization of the concept of a geared steam locomotive. Shay’s early locomotives differed from later ones, but there is a clear line of development that joins all Shays. Shays were especially […]
How to buy a toy train is a subject I’m frequently asked about. My focus is on trains and accessories from the post-World War II era, but I venture into the prewar and modern periods, too. In the past 25 years, Atlas, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams, Weaver, and others have produced locomotives and rolling stock […]
Where to buy a locomotive air horn? Cody Grivno explains what where to look to find these more unique and perhaps rare items in this video of Ask Trains. Caution: These things are meant to be loud for airlines to pass a certification, and have to be between 96 and 110 decibels at 100 feet. […]
What’s that locomotive? Cody Grivno explains what kind of locomotive is behind the BNSF Ry. road number 4592 in this video of Ask Trains. So there’s a little something for everybody if you want to model these locomotives. The 60 B’s were somewhat noteworthy because they were the first Jeep B units produced by EMD […]
10 essential tools to start building New to the model railroad hobby, I started exploring the world of tools and kit building over the past 90 days. As a result, I compiled the 10 essential tool kit below. This is just the bare bones needed to begin building your first plastic kit. It’s not an […]
Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to remove locomotive lettering? I have an HO scale Proto 2000 Heritage 2-8-8-2 steam locomotive from which I would like to remove the decals. I was wondering if the decals are on paint, or if they are put straight on the plastic? Can you tell me how […]
Cody Grivno explains how to bevel the edges of an HO scale cork roadbed in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have other questions about model railroading techniques, or would you like to learn more about what real railroads do? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com And if you have any other techniques for beveling […]
Made in the USA? Cody Grivno answers the question: “What other model railroad manufacturers have products that are made in the USA? Check out the video to find out more. If you have other companies that come to mind, please let us know in the comments field below. If you have other questions about model […]
10 tips for beginning layout builders: Trains.com has thousands of articles, images, and videos. Here, we’ve collected ten links to some of the best stories for people just starting on their layout-building adventure. 1. Learning to use a track template Track planning is an essential step in the construction of a model railroad layout. […]
The Big Four: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Ry. Q: Before my father-in-law passed away some years ago, we’d talk about the trains of long ago. As a boy, he loved to watch rail traffic pass by his childhood home in Pana, Ill. He mentioned the “Big Four” rail lines but couldn’t remember what […]
Q: Where do you find HO scale American flags? Cody Grivno explains where you can find Old Glory to put on your model railroad. There are several options mentioned in this video, so check it out. Do you have other questions about model railroading, or would you like to know more about full-Size trains? Send […]
Q: Where do you find street signs? Cody Grivno explains where you can find street signs in HO, N and O scales for your model railroad. He suggests checking out Blair Line LLC. Each set from this company includes over 130 different street names as well as scale, 3″ diameter posts. They have a really […]
