Ask Trains.com

ALL our videos address railroad or model railroad questions. One per video!
Are DCC locomotives compatible with DC layouts?

Are DCC locomotives compatible with DC layouts?

Cody Grivno addresses whether DCC-equipped locomotives can be ran on DC layouts without damaging the...

How can I verify track voltage?

How can I verify track voltage?

Cody Grivno discusses the Model Rectifier Controlmaster V, and how model railroaders can verify track...

What’s the best way to turn around a train on a small layout?

What’s the best way to turn around a train on a small layout?

Cody Grivno and Eric White discuss the best way to turn around a train on...

Where could I find Delaware, Lackawanna & Western MU cars?

Where could I find Delaware, Lackawanna & Western MU cars?

Cody Grivno discusses where a reader might find HO scale Delaware, Lackawanna & Western MU...

How do I convert a Mikado tender for track-power pickup?

How do I convert a Mikado tender for track-power pickup?

Cody Grivno discusses how to convert an HO scale IHC Mikado tender for track-power pickup....

Ask Trains.com compilation March 2023

Ask Trains.com compilation March 2023

Ask Trains.com compilation March 2023: In the March compilation, Cody answers viewer questions about topics...

Ask Trains.com compilation February 2023

Ask Trains.com compilation February 2023

Ask Trains.com compilation February 2023: In this new format for Ask Trains.com, Cody addresses reader...

Have railroads considered side-view or backup cameras on locomotives?

Have railroads considered side-view or backup cameras on locomotives?

Have railroads considered side-view or backup cameras on locomotives? Cody discusses locomotive-mounted cameras, their purpose,...

How are repairs performed in remote areas?

How are repairs performed in remote areas?

How are repairs performed in remote areas? Cody discusses how railroad repairs are performed in...

How is plywood shipped by rail?

How is plywood shipped by rail?

How is plywood shipped by rail? Cody discusses how plywood is shipped by rail. Looking...

What instrument would have been used as a railroad dinner chime?

What instrument would have been used as a railroad dinner chime?

What instrument would have been used as a railroad dinner chime? Cody answers a reader's...

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: Cody helps a viewer find a...

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets? Cody provides tips for finding out...

What are the purposes of locomotive lights?

What are the purposes of locomotive lights?

What are the purposes of locomotive lights?: Cody discusses the various lights present on diesel...

Why is the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track assymetrical?

Why is the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track assymetrical?

Cody discusses the nail hole pattern on Atlas code 100 track, and provides insights into...

What is a double barrel hopper train?

What is a double barrel hopper train?

Cody explains the double barrel hopper train with input from Trains Magazine columnist Bill Stephens. Are...

Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

Cody discusses how many coal gondolas in the US remain, and the different ways railroads...

How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

How do I model a woodchip gondola unloader?

Cody explains how to properly model a woodchip gondola unloader, through kitbashing, custom building, and...

What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

What causes the difference in price between manufacturers?

Cody addresses the difference in price between manufacturers in model railroading, and what the different...

How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

How do I scratchbuild right-of-way details?

Cody answers how to scratchbuild right-of-way details for model railroading. Are you looking to learn...