We’ve refreshed our site! Check out our new look.

Skip to content
Trains.com
  • Modeling & Railroads
        • Modeling
          • How To
          • Track Plan Database
          • Layouts
            • Model Train Layouts
            • Toy Train Layouts
            • Completed Indoor Layouts
          • Restoration & Repair
          • Build a Model or Structure
            • Track Planning
            • Structures
          • Garden Railroads
          • Expert Tips
        • Railroads
          • Locomotives
          • Railroad Profiles
          • History
            • Fallen Flags
            • Timelines
            • Prototype Railroads
          • Rosters
          • Stories: The Way It Was
          • Operations
          • Railfanning
  • News and Reviews
        • Trains Pro
        • Product & Hobby News
        • Product Reviews
          • Staff Reviews
          • Member Reviews
          • Video Reviews
          • Book Reviews
  • Digital Railroading
  • Community
        • Forums
        • Blogs
        • Events
        • Clubs
        • Trains 4 Kids
  • Videos & Photos
        • Videos
          • Series
          • How To
          • Layout Visits
          • Member Videos
        • Webcams
        • Photos
          • Photo of the Day
          • Photo Galleries
  • Beginners
        • Q&A with the Editors
        • About Us
        • Ask Trains
        • Free Downloads
        • FAQs
  • Magazines
        • All Subscription Plans
        • Why Join
        • Issue Previews
        • Archives
          • Special Issue Archives
        • New Special Issues
Sign In
Join
  • Trains.com
  • Trains
  • Trains Pro
  • Model Railroader
  • Classic Toy Trains
  • Classic Trains
  • Garden Railways
  • Trains Video
User Sign In Sign In
Sign In
New User? Create an account

Why Sign In? Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access.

Email is Required
Password is Required
Forgot password?
Contact
Support
Register
Join
Newsletters
Shop
Trains.com
Subscribe
  • Railroads & Locomotives
        • Heritage Rail
          • Excursions
          • Heritage Railroads
          • Preservation
          • Railroad Museums
        • Locomotives
          • Rosters
          • Big Boy
          • N&W Class J 611
        • Railroad Profiles
          • Short Lines
          • Regionals
          • Class Is
        • History
        • Maps
        • Tourist Profiles
        • Hot Spots
        • Photography Tips
  • Travel
        • Tours
        • Amtrak
        • Scenic Rides
        • Attractions
  • Community
        • Forums
        • Blogs
        • Events
        • Clubs
  • Videos & Photos
        • Webcam
          • BNSF and Union Pacific in Rochelle IL
        • Photos
          • Photo Of The Day
          • Trackside Photo Contest
          • Photo Galleries
          • Photo Hot Spots
          • Photography Tips
        • Videos
          • Series
            • Big Skies & Iron Rails
            • Drews Trackside Adventures
            • Railfanning
            • Tracks Ahead
            • TrainsLIVE
  • Train Basics
        • Ask Trains
        • About Us
        • ABCs Of Railroading
        • Free Downloads
          • Podcasts
        • FAQs
  • Trains Magazine
        • Subscription Plans
        • Current Issue
        • New Special Issues
          • Locomotives 2019
        • Archive Access
        • Annual Index
        • Contributor Guidelines
        • Meet the Staff
Sort:

Categories▼

  • ABCs Of Railroading (163)
  • Ask Trains (211)
  • Free Downloads (15)
    • Locomotives (1)
    • Podcasts (1)

Digital Railroading▼

  • Digital Railroading (1)

Manufacturer▼

  • Model Rectifier Corp. (1)

Modeling Topic▼

  • Rolling Stock (17)
  • Structures (1)

Railroad▼

  • Amtrak (16)
  • BNSF (5)
  • Brightline (1)
  • Burlington Northern (1)
  • Canadian National (3)
  • Canadian Pacific (3)
  • Chicago & North Western (1)
  • CPKC (1)
  • CSX (4)
  • East Broad Top (1)
  • Kansas City Southern (3)
  • New York Central (1)
  • Norfolk Southern (5)
  • Short Lines/Regionals (3)
  • Tourist Railroad (1)
  • Union Pacific (6)
  • VIA Rail Canada (1)

Section▼

  • ABCs of Railroading (157)
  • Amtrak (16)
  • Beginners (31)
  • Fallen Flags (1)
  • History (14)
  • Locomotives (1)
  • Operations (3)
  • Preservation (2)
  • Railfanning (7)
  • Railroad Operations (62)
  • Railroader (4)
  • Railroads (74)
  • Structures (1)
  • Train Basics (155)

Era▼

  • 1920 - 1945 (1)
  • 1946 - 1970 (1)
  • 1971 - 1999 (3)
  • 2000 - Present (10)

Train Topic▼

  • Beginners (31)
  • Encyclopedia (74)
  • Fallen Flags (1)
  • Family Friendly (1)
  • Glossary (3)
  • History (14)
  • Preservation (2)
  • Rail Industry (4)
  • Railfanning (7)
  • Railroad Operations (62)
  • Signals & Train Control (11)
  • Track & Roadbed (11)
  • Union Pacific Big Boy (2)

Type of Train▼

  • Diesel Locomotives (24)
  • Electric Locomotives (1)
  • Freight (18)
  • High speed rail (1)
  • Passenger/Transit (18)
  • Rolling Stock (17)
  • Short line regionals (2)
  • Steam Locomotive (11)

Region▼

  • California (2)
  • Canada (1)
  • Midwest (5)
  • Northeast (2)
  • Southeast (2)
  • Southwest (2)
Trains Magazine › Train Basics ›

ABCs Of Railroading

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Locomotive air horn — a noisy necessity

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Steam locomotive tenders have a life of their own

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Blue flags

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Diesel engines: four strokes and two

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Icy Hot: How to keep your diesel cool

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
How to own and maintain a caboose

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Fixing diesel locomotives is all in a day’s work

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Railcar movers are replacing shop locomotives

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Railroad signals 101

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
The people who work on trains

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Track classifications

ABCs Of Railroading
Trains Magazine
Troubleshooting a diesel locomotive

« 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 14 »

Stay updated

Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands!

Trains.com
  • Railroads & Locomotives
  • Travel
  • Community
  • Videos & Photos
  • Train Basics
  • Trains Magazine
Our Sites
  • Trains.com
  • Trains Pro
  • Model Railroader
  • Classic Toy Trains
  • Classic Trains
  • Garden Railways
Account
  • Sign In
  • Support
  • Contact
  • About us
Join Us
  • Subscribe
  • Join
  • Give a gift
  • Newsletters
  • Advertise With Us
  • Do Not Sell
Firecrown Media
© 2026 Firecrown Media
Customer Service
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
  • Explore more sites
  • The Trains Store
  • Finescale Modeler
  • The Space Store
  • Astronomy