Q Why do modern locomotive throttles still use notches?— Ben Redl, Williams Lake, B.C. A The primary reason is to help the locomotive’s engineer direct a specific response from the locomotive. Engine RPM speed must be increased gradually during normal operation. As the engineer demands more power from the locomotive by moving a notch at […]
Train Topic: Beginners
Adhesives for structure models
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno gives you an overview of the different types of adhesives that he uses for various structure projects. Cody will also give you a tip for adding interior bracing to make a finished structure model more durable. […]
Adhesives for structure models
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno gives you an overview of the different types of adhesives that he uses for various structure projects. Cody will also give you a tip for adding interior bracing to make a finished structure model more durable. […]
Removing locomotive shells
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Whether you’re installing a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder or preparing for a painting project, there are times when you’ll need to remove the body shell from a locomotive model. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you tips for easily and carefully […]
Removing locomotive shells
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Whether you’re installing a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder or preparing for a painting project, there are times when you’ll need to remove the body shell from a locomotive model. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you tips for easily and carefully […]
Isolating locomotives
Q What does it mean when diesel locomotives are “isolated?”— Ray Russell, Naples, Fla. A “Isolating” a particular locomotive in a multiple-unit consist means that the prime mover is still running, but the main generator and electrical system for propulsion are disconnected. The locomotive will not respond to throttle settings and essentially is along for […]
Locomotive in Brookside Park
Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2707 is moved to Brookside Park in Cleveland in the mid-1950s. C&O Q In the 1960s and ’70s, I saw a steam locomotive in Brookside Park near the Cleveland Zoo. A group removed it later. Was it restored or scrapped? — Larry Matus, North Ridgeville, Ohio A The locomotive in […]
Weight of trains
The tonnage profile for this Canadian National intermodal train gives overview and detailed information. Ray Weart collection Q When someone says the “weight of the train is xxx tons,” are they referring to the weight on the rails, or the effort needed to move it? Is there a difference?— Mike Llewellyn, Shamokin, Pa. A Yes, […]
“Manifest” in railroading
Q What does the term “manifest” mean in relation to railroading? Where and when did it originate?— Wesley Greer, Castle Rock, Colo. A Manifest comes from the Latin word manifestus, meaning “visible,” or “detected in the act.” It went into Middle English (because the Romans occupied England for a while), and in 1432 the word […]
How to make and install puffball trees
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader editorial associate Eric Stelpflug and editor Neil Besougloff show how to make and install puffball trees. […]
How to make and install puffball trees
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader editorial associate Eric Stelpflug and editor Neil Besougloff show how to make and install puffball trees. […]
“Shoo-fly track”
Q Does anyone know the origin of the term “shoo-fly track?”— Gordon Osmundson, Oakland, Calif. A According to the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary, this is an American expression, first noted in 1903 and denoting a temporary track. The word “shoo” means go away, and presumably to do so “on the fly” is […]
