Q: I want to submit a question and photograph to Ask Trains. How do I do that? I can’t find a way to submit a photo. — Matt Jackson, Durham, N.C. A: The best way to submit a question and a photo to Ask Trains is by email. The email address is AskTrains@TrainsMag.com. We only […]
Tag: Beginners
Ask Trains: Why do railroads create heritage locomotives?
Union Pacific SD70ACe No. 4141 letter for former President George H. W. Bush led Bush’s funeral train from Houston to College Station, Texas, in Dec. 2018. 18345-3 Bradley Bates Q: Painting locomotives is expensive. I’m curious to know why railroads would spend this kind of money painting heritage units? — David Berg, Minneapolis, Minn. A: […]
Stuff We Use: Adjustable snap and glue clamps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page For projects such as building a model structure roof, gluing pieces of styrene at an angle can be tricky. Associate editor Steve Otte shows you how to make this task much easier and quicker with a set of snap-and-glue clamps. […]
Stuff We Use: Adjustable snap and glue clamps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page For projects such as building a model structure roof, gluing pieces of styrene at an angle can be tricky. Associate editor Steve Otte shows you how to make this task much easier and quicker with a set of snap-and-glue clamps. […]
Stuff We Use: How to use microbrush applicators
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Microbrush applicators have myriad uses in a model railroader’s workshop. Learn about these useful tools with Model Railroader Senior Editor Dana Kawala. If you need to stock up on microbrushes, get some at the Kalmbach Hobby Store! […]
Stuff We Use: How to use microbrush applicators
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Microbrush applicators have myriad uses in a model railroader’s workshop. Learn about these useful tools with Model Railroader Senior Editor Dana Kawala. If you need to stock up on microbrushes, get some at the Kalmbach Hobby Store! […]
ASK TRAINS: How do you operate two steam locomotives together?
On West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad, engine crews with three Shay locomotives signal each other with whistles for moves and stops. TRAINS: Steve Sweeney Q: When you have two steam engines together, how does the second engineer know how much throttle to give? — Dennis E. Schardt, Sr., Summerdale, Pa. A: We get asked this […]
Ask Trains: Maps that show train frequencies
Q: Do you know if any publications, or any web pages, blogs, or any Internet resource that maintains a U.S. map that shows frequency of train service? — Frank Norris, Santa Fe, N.M. A: Simply put, no such resource exists as railroads hold traffic data as proprietary. The best way to learn about railroad operations, […]
Ask Trains: When will C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 steam again?
Steam locomotive restoration specialist Gary Bensman cuts out staybolts for replacement on Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 in 2017. TRAINS: Jim Wrinn Q: Can anyone provide a definitive status on whether Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 will be running in 2019? — Richard Eaton, Chevy Chase, Md. A: Railfans and railroad preservationists […]
ASK TRAINS: Why Big Boy’s bell is painted red on the inside
Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 pauses overnight at Rawlins, Wyo., in May 2019. Big Boy’s bell is painted red to keep it looking clean and well-kept. 19143-50 Ryan Nicolay Q: Why are the insides of the bells on Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 and 4-8-4 No. 844 painted red? — Scott Zygutis, Antioch, […]
Ask MRVP Episode 44
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve got the questions and David’s got the answers (well, most of them) in this month’s Ask MRVP! Topics covered include curve radii, styrene measurements, scaling up an N scale layout, foam board for layout construction, puffball tree videos, weathering ballast, doghouses, and […]
Ask MRVP Episode 44
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve got the questions and David’s got the answers (well, most of them) in this month’s Ask MRVP! Topics covered include curve radii, styrene measurements, scaling up an N scale layout, foam board for layout construction, puffball tree videos, weathering ballast, doghouses, and […]
