Cody Grivno shows you where to find a specific set of drawings. Are you trying to track down past drawings from MR? Or do you want more information on a prototype locomotive? Our freight car? Send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com […]
Q: I’m looking to build an HO scale Rock Island Rocket and its Electro-Motive Corp. TA diesel locomotive. I know that Model Railroader published Rock Island Rocket drawings several years ago (1986 or so), and I was wondering where I might find these plans? I think that the TA plans were reprinted […]
Cody Grivno explains different paint schemes of tank cars and what they are used for. Do you have questions about prototype rolling stock? Or, do you want information on how to model them? Drop us an email: AskTrains@trains.com. And, if there are other paint schemes that you’ve seen applied to tank cars, let us know […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about which railroad the lantern with CMx comes from. The markings are actual of the globe manufacturer and not of a particular railroad. If you want to know more about markings on lanterns or structures that you find along the right away. Send us an email to AskTrains@trains.com. And if […]
Cody Grivno answers the question: I’m curious to know what the railroad side marker seated in the ballast before a grade-level crossing is all about. It appears to look like an upside down metal hockey stick. Please inform me what this marker stood for, and during what years it would have been utilized. […]
Cody Grivno answers the question about Pennsy’s roster (noting the importance of diesel rosters to both model railroaders and railfans alike). The RS-2 stayed on the Pennsylvania roster until 1965 when they were retired. Do you have a prototype locomotive roster questions? Or, do you want to learn more about your model railroad? Send us […]
Buying used track: You’ve heard the old saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Well, for model railroaders – as tempting as it sounds – saving money by buying used track may not be the bargain it seems. Repurposing a few pieces of track might help you purchase another boxcar or perhaps a few […]
Hosting a virtual operating session is change. During a thoughtful dinner conversation, a friend quipped: “Count on two things. People always complain about the way things are and they always complain about change.” But our hobby numbers remarkably resourceful people who do change. When COVID-19 protocols had people hunkering down, operating sessions began to reappear, […]
Q: What was the purpose of a scale car? Was it to check the track, and where was it located in the train? Were all Class 1 railroads required to have these cars? Were there measuring instruments in those cars? I do realize that with today’s technology they are obsolete. – Gilles Bouthillier […]
Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Send us your questions Got a question about modeling, operation, or prototype railroading? E-mail it to us at AskTrains@Trains.com. […]
Cody Grivno answers these two questions regarding transporting materials on a train. What determines if lumber is shipped wrapped or unwrapped? Also, what determines if a load goes in a boxcar or a centerbeam flatcar? […]
Can’t get your new LionChief Universal Remote to pair with a locomotive? If the batteries are good, the device’s firmware might be the problem – it could be old and incompatible with your equipment, or just have bugs. Upgrading it might help establish a connection and get your trains rolling. The hand-held units […]
