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 […]
Train Topic: Signals & Train Control
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 May 2007
Q On page 57 of January TRAINS is a magnificent photo of a BNSF train about to hit the diamonds at Savanna, Ill. What intrigues me is thepattern on the railheads within the diamond. They appear to be deliberate and not just from wear. Is there a reason for them, or are my eyes deceiving […]
Ask Trains from October 2008
Q My 5-year-old grandson asked me, “Where do engineers go to the bathroom?” I told him that locomotives probably have a restroom similar to those on airplanes. What restroom facilities are available on locomotives, and where are they located? Who runs the train in his absence? Are comfort breaks governed by either federal or union […]
South Bend Signal Company signalling system
Marc Horovitz Vital statistics 1:32-scale signalling systemSouth Bend Signal Company2303 Creek RoadNiles MI 49120Prices: See textWeb site: www.sbsignal.com One- or two-target searchlight-style signals for 1:32 scale (or similar scales) plus controllers; LED lights; will show red, amber, green; signals made of styrene and brass; fully painted and ready to go; complete instructions provided; intended for […]
Allan Clark switchstand
Marc Horovitz 1:20.3-scale harp switchstandAllan Clark1232 Oceanside DriveQualicum Beach BC V9K 1C6CanadaPrices: Kit, $20US + s&h; built, $25US + s&h Web site: www.grantspassandpacificrailroad.com All brass, three-position harp switchstand; available as a kit or built up; three position; modeled after DSP&P switchstand; intended primarily for stub switches. Dimensions: base, 1¼” wide x 1½” high; mast, 4″ […]
CTC: Remotely directing the movement of trains
Who controls the movement of the trains after the tower is closed? The train dispatcher is the most common heir to the towerman’s duties, but not always. The type of control used depends on the nature and density of the rail traffic handled at the location. Ways to preventing trains from colliding when railroad lines […]
Railroad’s traffic control systems
Traffic control systems Running a safe operation is not as simple as you might think. Every train must have authority to occupy the main track before it can begin moving. There are several types of authorities, but usually only one type is in effect on any given piece of track. Maintenance people must also have […]
Z-Stuff for Trains crossing gate system
WE INITIALLY REVIEWED Z-Stuff’s crossing gate system in the May 2002 issue of CTT. Since that time, Z-Stuff has upgraded the O gauge crossing set to allow for slower, more prototypical operation of the gates. The no. DZ-1010 set comes with two crossing gates and two infrared dwarf signal detectors. The signal detectors, in conjunction […]
