An eastbound express Metra train, operating in push mode, pauses at Western Springs, Ill., on Sept. 10, 2009. You can see the engineer in the window of the cabcar. Paul Hoffmann Q What’s the difference in touch or feel for an engineer running in push mode versus pull mode? Is there a limit to the […]
Name: F Line traction Layout owner: Harvey Simon Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 5 x 8 feet Prototype: San Francisco MunicipalTransp ortation Agency’s F Line Locale: San Francisco, between Castro District and Fisherman’s Wharf Era: modern Style: modified walk-in Mainline run: 40 feet Minimum radius: 6 1/4″ Minimum turnout: single point, equivalent to no. 2 Maximum […]
Q I heard the term “nitrogen blanket” in reference to a tank car. Could you explain what this is and what types of tank cars have these nitrogen blankets? – Mike Riley, Manchester, Mo. A The term “nitrogen blanket” refers to a padding (or a layer) of nitrogen gas put into a tank car to: […]
Name: The Chester Branch Prototype: Morristown & Erie Ry. Era: 2016 Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 10′-0″ x 12′-4″ Minimum radius: 24″ main line, 20″ branch Minimum turnout: Peco no. 5 Maximum grade: 3 percent This track plan originally appeared in Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide. Click on the link to download a PDF copy of […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this exclusive MRVP video, subscribers are treated to a unique 3-D rendering inspired by an episode of MRVP’s Taking Care of Business series. After reading about the railroad in Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide, you’ll enjoy Ben Lake’s virtual tour of the HO […]
For their final two days in Alberta, Canada, Drew and The Crew find new places and perspectives for railfanning over Yellowhead Pass. Take a ride with Mike and KJ aboard a VIA Rail Canada regional run, before rejoining Drew (and some of his grizzly friends) for one last dash along CN’s Edson and Albreda Subdivisions. Don’t […]
For their final two days in Alberta, Canada, Drew and The Crew find new places and perspectives for railfanning over Yellowhead Pass. Take a ride with Mike and KJ aboard a VIA Rail Canada regional run, before rejoining Drew (and some of his grizzly friends) for one last dash along CN’s Edson and Albreda Subdivisions. Don’t […]
Name: Adrian & Blissfield Macomb Division Layout owner: Ron Griffin Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13′-6″ x 26′-6″ Prototype: Adrian & Blissfield RR Locale: southeastern Michigan Era: 2010 Style: multi-deck walk-in Mainline run: 240 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 2.5 percent in helix Train length: 5 feet Benchwork: brackets cantilevered from […]
Name: Otter Tail Valley RR Layout designer: Nathan Brett Scale: N (1:160) Size: 10 x 10 feet Prototype: Otter Tail Valley RR Locale: west-central Minnesota Era: 2008 to 2012 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 33 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: none This track plan originally appeared in the January […]
2017 Grand prize winner: I have been a Manhattanite for decades therefore I abhor leaving my island and crossing water. But I will for the No. 7. Opened in 1915, this 22-station New York City subway line carries more than 800,000 daily riders on its mostly elevated route. With a little Lucky 7 luck, I […]
Controls for measuring the length of a train (circled) are integrated into the touch screen Video Information Display on an EMD SD70ACe. Tom Danneman Q If an engineer has a train with 100 or more cars and he gets a signal to take the siding, how does he know when he and all the cars […]
Name: Granite Falls Ethanol RR Layout owner: Rolf Malmborg Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13 x 24 feet Prototype: BNSF Ry., Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Canadian Pacific Locale: Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana Era: 2013 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 180 feet Minimum radius: 22″ Minimum turnout: no. 8 (main), no. 6 (staging and industry sidings) […]
