Q What is the purpose of having draft-gear slack in the era of diesel locomotives? We all know the steam engines needed slack to start the train, and slack is used to “cushion” coupling, but I’ve always wondered why the modern freight cars don’t “lock” the draft gear when the brakeline is charged up eliminating […]
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“Honorary steam locomotive”
Q For many years now, fans have been calling Alco PA locomotives “honorary steam locomotives” because of the thick, dense smoke they generate during acceleration. I’ve heard some people mention that TRAINS Editor David P. Morgan wrote an editorial on this citing a statement or caption penned by rail historian Professor George W. Hilton. Can […]
Passenger car with two sinks
Although the quarters were likely close in this passenger rail car’s public bathroom, the extra sink could only have helped. Q While visiting The Durham Museum in Omaha, I saw a passenger car with two sinks in the public bathroom, one large and one small. What was the small sink used for?– Sam Irvin, Summerfield, Fla. […]
Pullman service
Q Did railroads that used Pullman service have their own sleeper and parlor cars too, or were one or the other used exclusively on any particular train? Also, how were contracts structured: Did Pullman pay the railroads for space on the trains and garner all the fares, or did the railroads pay for the service […]
Spotter control
This sign on a SD80MAC means it can move a short distance on battery power through one traction motor. Walter Fertsak Q In Cresson, Pa., this year, I saw a SD80MAC with a little plate above the first axle. What does this signify?— Walter Fertsak, Austria A Spotter Control is a locomotive on-board system used […]
Second 68 and the Lafayette Helper
With engineer Steiner at the throttle of Nickel Plate Road 893, fireman Jennings shows photographer Lewis the coal scoop, which Lewis often wielded aboard the old 2-8-0. Hal Lewis In 1949, on the Nickel Plate Road’s Peoria Division, a daily eastbound local freight, operated as Second 68, ran from Peoria to Frankfort, Ind. Its power […]
Toting minerals in Michigan
A trio of six-axle Alcos moves tonnage through Partridge, Mich., on Feb. 19, 1981 on the Chicago & Northwestern. Tom Murray photo […]
Videos: Five ways to weather
Associate editor Cody Grivno demonstrates five weathering techniques to make your models look realistic. Click each image to watch the video. Airbrush Give your freight cars and locomotives a general coat of grime Artists’ oils (Subscriber bonus) Makes it easy to apply weathering washes and simulate rust patches Powdered pastels A popular choice for weathering […]
Basic Training: How to install feeder wires
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]
How to install feeder wires
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]
Drawings to build the Canton Depot
Download the PDF of this project here. In the April 2011 issue, Ian Stringer’s Hensellvania Division shows a model of the Canton Depot. Download these plans to build your own Canton Depot, compliments of our sister publication Model Railroader. […]
Selective compression techniques for large-scale structures
In the April 2011 issue, Kevin Strong describes how to create purpose for your garden railway. He suggests using a technique for structures called “selective compression.” Download this related article by Jack Verducci, who describes how to use this technique. […]
