Ask Trains.com

ALL our videos address railroad or model railroad questions. One per video!
How do I repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola?

How do I repaint a Lionel 6462 Gondola?

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss techniques to...

What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

What is the optimal configuration for power and controls?

Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss the optimal...

What is causing contact issues on my Lionel O gauge layout?

What is causing contact issues on my Lionel O gauge layout?

Cody is joined by Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller to identify possible contact issues...

What is the correct fan configuration on an SD45?

What is the correct fan configuration on an SD45?

Cody helps a reader identify the correct fan configuration on an SD45. Are you looking...

Where can I locate a track plan?

Where can I locate a track plan?

Cody helps a reader locate a track plan. Find Model Railroad Planning 2012 and How...

Can railroad materials be reused?

Can railroad materials be reused?

Cody addresses applicable cases for railroad track material reuse. Are you looking to learn more...

How railroads transport different types of steel

How railroads transport different types of steel

Cody discusses the rules and regulations around the transport of steel products by rail. Are...

What’s in a locomotive number?

What’s in a locomotive number?

Cody discusses locomotive numbering in this installment of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn...

What is the difference between a coach and a chair car?

What is the difference between a coach and a chair car?

Cody addresses the differences between a coach and a chair car in this installment of...

Has the railroad industry considered adding solar panels to diesel locomotives?

Has the railroad industry considered adding solar panels to diesel locomotives?

Cody discusses the application of solar power in the rail industry. Are you looking to...

Where do you find replacement parts for out of production locomotives?

Where do you find replacement parts for out of production locomotives?

Cody helps track down specific parts in this video of Ask Trains. Do you need help...

How do you change the different colored numbers on a freight car without damaging the paint?

How do you change the different colored numbers on a freight car without damaging the paint?

What do you do if you have a car that has different colored numbers on...

Is it possible to replace my model’s couplers with Micro-Trains Magne-Matic couplers?

Is it possible to replace my model’s couplers with Micro-Trains Magne-Matic couplers?

Replacing the couplers Need to replace the couplers on your scale model? Cody answers this...

Is there an easy way to reproduce Athearn’s Primed for Grime look on locomotives and freight cars?

Is there an easy way to reproduce Athearn’s Primed for Grime look on locomotives and freight cars?

Creating your own weathered models that look great? Cody answers this question in this video...

What is the best way to attach the Homasote to the plywood?

What is the best way to attach the Homasote to the plywood?

What is the best way to secure roadbed to a layout? Cody answers this question...

What is the name of the tool previously used in a video to punch out round disks of styrene?

What is the name of the tool previously used in a video to punch out round disks of styrene?

Looking for help with your model railroad? Looking for a specific article or video? Cody...

What would the HO size be of a football or soccer field?

What would the HO size be of a football or soccer field?

Looking for help with your model railroad? Cody answers this question in this video of...

What tools and glues do I need for kitbashing a vehicle?

What tools and glues do I need for kitbashing a vehicle?

[caption id="attachment_130560" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Whether your goal is kitbashing a vehicle or a diesel locomotive...

How can I find an older article on adding a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0?

How can I find an older article on adding a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0?

Need to add a DCC decoder to a Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0? Looking for a...

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels?

What is the best way to clean rails and engine wheels? Looking for a certain...