Q Can you please explain the visual and mechanical differences among EMD’s SW-1500, MP15DC, and MP15AC switchers?– Andrew J. Jones, Wigan, England A Electro-Motive’s SW1500, MP15, and MP15AC were all 1,500-hp switchers, but the later MP series were significant upgrades to the older SW models. The SW1500, built 1966-1974, used a non-turbocharged 12-cylinder 645E engine. […]
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Ask Trains from December 2005
Q I saw an unclear photo of a Pennsylvania steam locomotive identified as an S2, with the number 6200. Two things caught my eye: the 6-8-6 wheel arrangement, and the absence of any visible cylinders or driving rods. What can you tell me about it?– J.H. Lehman, Dayton, Ohio A The 6200 was a one-of-a-kind […]
Ask Trains from November 2005
Q I saw a big tank car (DUPX 29744) at Wilson, N.C. It was quite long, with four trucks. What products do these cars carry? How many are there, how heavy are they, and why so big? – D. Wescott, Wilson, N.C. A It is a 43,800-gallon, 526,000-pound (gross weight) car owned by DuPont, in […]
Ask Trains from October 2007
Q On many Union Pacific refrigerated boxcars, the reporting mark “ARMN” appears below the UP shield. What railroad is that?– Kevin Margan, Madison, Wis. A Normally any reporting mark not ending is “X” indeed stands for a railroad company (“X” signifying privately owned cars), and UP, like several Class Is, still uses initials of railroads […]
Ask Trains from November 2006
Q On the front of a typical diesel locomotive are six “hoses.” Please define their purpose. Further, above the coupler is what appears to be a shorting hose. What is that? – Howard Beard, New Port Richey, Fla. A What you’re seeing is two sets of three hoses that are part of a train’s air-brake […]
Quick and easy Flextrack
Instead of using spikes or contact cement, Model Railroader contributor Chuck Hitchcock shows you how to use DAP adhesive caulk and topper tape (a material used to insulate pickup truck caps) to lay track. Quick and easy Flextrack […]
Testors Aztec AC500 Airbrush Compressor
Dennis H. Murphy Boy, what a difference a day can make. Let me back up a bit and fill you in on a big change in my life. Well, at least my “hobby life”. I model N-Scale, and really enjoy the building of models for my layout. I use an airbrush to paint most everything, […]
Walthers HO scale Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 diesel switcher
Walthers HO scale Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 diesel switcher A semi-streamlined carbody developed by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy made the Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 a distinctive entry into the diesel switcher market. Many H-10-44s had careers that spanned 40 years. The new Proto 2000 from Walthers HO scale H-10-44 is available in a version that includes a dual-mode […]
Athearn trains HO scale spine car
Athearn Trains HO scale spine car A highly detailed 57-foot three-unit all-purpose spine car with die-cast metal spines, etched-metal end platforms, and separately applied brake detail is now available from Athearn. The Ready-to-Roll car, based on the prototype produced by Trinity, is decorated for TTX Co. and is available in six road numbers and painted […]
Atlas O Electro-Motive Division MP 15DC diesel switcher in O scale
Atlas O Electro-Motive Division MP 15DC diesel switcher in O scale While this superb MP15DC model may look like a yard switcher, it rides on GP-type trucks that also suit it to road service. Atlas O Electro-Motive Division MP 15DC diesel switcher in O scale While this superb MP15DC model may look like a yard […]
Kato U.S.A. N scale GG1 electric locomotive
Kato U.S.A. N scale GG1 electric locomotive For 49 years GG1 electric locomotives hauled premier passenger trains as well as some freight traffic across the electrified territory of the Pennsylvania RR and its successors. This N scale Kato model accurately captures all the curves of the Raymond Loewy-streamlined carbody and has a smooth and powerful […]
O gauge Union Pacific FEF-3 4-8-4 by Lionel
LET’S CUT RIGHT TO THE CHASE. This is the finest steam locomotive that Lionel has ever made. Period. End of discussion. Insert photo of me puckering up to give this steamer a big old smooch. Whew. OK, I’ve taken a deep breath. I’ve cooled down. Now, on with the rest of the review. This Lionel […]
