Distributed power in the Midwest

NS1056SD70ACeDPU

A Norfolk Southern SD70ACe pushes on an empty crude oil train in Toledo, Ohio, in March 2013. Michael D. Harding Q Watching passing freight trains, I’ve seen a locomotive located in the middle or at the end of the train. Are these pusher locomotives being run by remote control by the engineer in the lead […]

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Spacing of steam ‘chuffs’

Steamlocomotivevalvegear

A conventional two-cylinder locomotive like this one exhausts four times per wheel revolution. This is thanks to the position of the valves. Library of Congress Q At low speed, the four “chuffs” a steam engine makes per wheel rotation all sound the same to me, but at higher speed I think I hear a four-beat […]

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Steam engine water treatment

Watertank

A water tank on the Pacific Coast Railroad in Washington displays discoloration brought by impurities in the local water. Al Farrow photo, Martin E. Hansen collection Q Did steam locomotive operators test the water prior to filling the tender? Was water treated then or prior to filling the tank? Without treatment would there have been […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 38

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt and standing in front of the N scale Canadian Canyons layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this first episode of the fall season, Host David Popp tackles some of your toughest hobby questions! With assistance from Cody Grivno, David addresses inquiries related to layout wiring, illuminating structures, couplers, rolling stock details, and much more! […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 38

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt and standing in front of the N scale Canadian Canyons layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this first episode of the fall season, Host David Popp tackles some of your toughest hobby questions! With assistance from Cody Grivno, David addresses inquiries related to layout wiring, illuminating structures, couplers, rolling stock details, and much more! […]

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Why long hood vs. short?

CNJRS31546

Although this CNJ RS3 had dual engineer controls, the “F” defines the leading end for hand or radio signals. Bert Pennypacker Q When diesels replaced steam locomotives, early cab units had snub noses with good front visibility for the engineer. When hood units appeared, some railroads set them up to run short hood forward and […]

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How to use a cone-tip sander

Hand using a cone tip sander

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The Flex-I-File cone-tip sander is a versatile tool for getting into tight corners and odd shapes. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows you how he uses the sander and its peel-and-stick pads for his modeling projects. Pick up a sander and a […]

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Stuff We Use: Bachmann HO scale track cleaning car

Bachmann track cleaning car

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page One way to help keep your model railroad running smoothly is to regularly run a cleaning train along the line. Senior Editor Dana Kawala shows you how to make your track cleaning chores easier with a Bachmann HO scale Track Cleaning Car. […]

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Stuff We Use: Bachmann HO scale track cleaning car

Bachmann track cleaning car

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page One way to help keep your model railroad running smoothly is to regularly run a cleaning train along the line. Senior Editor Dana Kawala shows you how to make your track cleaning chores easier with a Bachmann HO scale Track Cleaning Car. […]

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