It’s hard to believe, but we’re already into the summer months. Before you take that long road trip, head out to the lake to reel in some fish, or spend time mowing the yard, you’ll want to check out the June 2025 episode of Cody’s Office.
What’s on tap this time around? Well, we start things off with three new products. First up is Athearn N scale F89-F flatcar. The upgraded Genesis-series model, based on a Bethlehem Steel Co. prototype, features die-cast metal and plastic construction. The flatcar is offered with and without Athearn’s newly-tooled Fruehauf 45-foot Z-Van trailer.
That’s followed by the Atlas Classic HO scale Alco RS11 diesel locomotive. The four-axle road switcher is back in several new paint schemes and road numbers. The sample we received depicts a former Northern Pacific unit that’s been renumbered for new owner Burlington Northern.
We’ll wrap up the product section with a look at Arduino Projects, the latest book from Firecrown Media. Authors Paul and David Bradt cover the basics of programming and using Arduino and Raspberry Pi microcontrollers; how to control crossing flashers, flickering torches, and other lighting effects; and methods of connecting Arduinos to software to detect trains and monitor train movements.
Then we’ll head to the Paint Shop at our Firecrown Media offices for the modeling tip. This month, we’ll take a look at different brushes you can use to apply powdered pastels.
We’ll wrap up the episode with the always popular viewer mail segment. Among the questions this time are freight and passenger car wheel sizes, Burlington Northern renumbering practices on predecessor road locomotives and cabooses, and support structures for multi-deck layouts.
Do you have questions you’d like us to consider for a future episode of Cody’s Office? You may leave them in the comments field below or contact us via e-mail at asktrains@trains.com.
Hi Cody. Great episode as always.
I have a question about removing markings from rolling stock and steam engines. I have seen your videos on removing decals but how do I remove these items when they are factory painted? I am hoping to add my own railroads decals and numbers to the rolling stock.
Keep up the great work.
Mike Ricci
Another great episode of Cody. Keep them coming MR Staff!
Hi Cody! Great episode, my brother and I are considering making a 1/64 scale modular layout, focused on modern agriculture. Do you have any tips for disguising the seams between the modules, which are an unfortunate side effect of building a layout in this fashion. Thank you!
Thanks for the answer, CG. I remember working 1:1 scale that some 5 pack well cars even had different wheel sizes within the articulated consist.
When did the vented wheels get banned by the FRA? Transition Era?