Q: What locomotives are currently used to pull Amtrak’s Auto Train? And does anyone offer them in N scale? – David Feitelson, Ocala, Fla. A: Though people today are most familiar with Auto Train as an Amtrak offering, the unique service began in 1971 under the auspices of a private company, the Auto-Train Corporation. Using […]
Cody Grivno explains several different options for removing decals from your locomotive. Prototype railroads renumber their locomotives from time to time, and you can do the same thing on your model railroad. […]
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 […]
It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]
It’s 2021 in review as Bob and Hal look back at the big toy train news and products from The past 12 months, including the breakup (mostly) and sale of pieces of MTH Trains and how it has been a net gain for the company and the hobby. They also discuss structure and rolling stock […]
Alco C415 failure was not what the famed locomotive maker had in mind in the 1960s. At the time, Alco saw a need to revamp its switcher offerings and came up with the offset centercab configuration C415, which launched as a demonstrator in 1966. The arrangement separated the prime mover from the radiator on different […]
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. […]
