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This article provides a personal account of a fireman's experiences working on the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia in 1972. The fireman discusses the daily tasks and challenges of maintaining the steam engine, including checking the boiler, managing the fire, and ensuring proper steam pressure. The article also recounts specific incidents, such as a derailment and the difficulties of firing different locomotives. The author reflects on the lessons learned from their father and grandfather and expresses satisfaction in successfully operating the steam engines. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the HO scale Canada, Spokane & Pacific model railroad layout created by Drew James. The layout is set in the Pacific Northwest and represents a bridge line connecting the Burlington Northern and Canadian Pacific Railway. It features a single-track main line, towns, industries, and realistic scenery. Advanced features such as Digital Command Control, signaling, and a fully operational Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) machine are incorporated. The layout includes realistic rolling stock, dispatching systems, and operating sessions. Drew plans to continue improving and expanding the layout in the future. The article also mentions Drew's custom-built replica Union Switch & Signal Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) machine and the Northwest Limited streamliner model train. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of animation in model railroading, specifically focusing on a new model of a water tower with a moving spout. The author describes their experience of installing the water tower and modifying it to fit their specific model railroad. They also mention the use of interlocking signals to slow down trains and extend running times. The author expresses gratitude to the customer service and tech support teams at Broadway Limited Imports for their assistance. [Extracted from the article]

This article titled "GALLERY" features four photographs of trains in different locations. The first photograph shows an Amtrak Empire Service train traveling along the Hudson River in New York. The second photograph depicts a MARC train in Maryland. The third photograph shows a Metra train in Chicago, with the engineer wearing a Hawaiian shirt. The final photograph captures an Amtrak train in Florida, surrounded by palm trees. Each photograph is accompanied by a brief description of the location and train. [Extracted from the article]

Features Some 50 years ago I decided to model the prototype Yosemite Valley RR. Thus, engineers build trains the same way YVRR engineers did and operate those trains through the same scenery a YVRR engineer would have seen 80 years ago. The prototype timetable for August 1939 included only daily eastbound and westbound passenger trains and a log train. It also duplicates the "Eastbound trains have right over westbound trains of the same class" language from the prototype. [Extracted from the article]

The article recounts a late-night incident involving two trains, one northbound and one southbound, on the Kentucky Division of the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway. The author, a train engineer, recalls a moment when he and his brakeman narrowly avoided a potential collision due to a miscommunication between the trains. The author reflects on the incident and the potential consequences that could have occurred. The article also briefly mentions a separate event, the Final Spike Anniversary Tour, which marks the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway with the Kansas City Southern. The tour includes stops in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. [Extracted from the article]

470 and 573, the train backed through a nearby junction before heading up the scenic Mountain Division, soon to be abandoned in favor of a longer Maine Central/Boston & Maine/Delaware & Hudson routing. Features ON JUNE 1, 2022, CSX purchased Pan Am Railways - that's purchased, not merged with - formerly Guilford, Springfield Terminal, née Boston & Maine, née Maine Central, a combination that early on also included the Delaware & Hudson. For me, it recalled another event some 40 years earlier, when Mellon's Guilford Transportation Industries purchased Maine Central, followed by his purchase of the Boston & Maine, then consolidated the two under a single management. [Extracted from the article]

This article recounts the experiences of James Lathrop, a former road foreman of engines on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Lathrop describes his time in this position from 1953 to 1955, during which he faced resentment from older and more experienced crews. He also discusses his involvement in a strike on the Niagara Junction Railway in 1955, where he and other management personnel were instructed to take over the engines. Lathrop and a colleague refused to cross the picket line, resulting in the abolition of their positions. Despite the setback, Lathrop returned to his previous job as an engineer and found fulfillment in his work. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has released a list of fifteen potential routes for long-distance trains that could enhance Amtrak's existing system. These options will be discussed at regional meetings with various stakeholders, including Amtrak, state transportation officials, and civic leaders. The study, funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, does not include money for infrastructure improvements. The selection process appears to prioritize the size of cities served and potential travel demand over track and facility investments. The document suggests that it could take 15 years to implement new routes, but there are opportunities for faster service on certain routes. However, challenges such as funding and transparency need to be addressed. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Model Railroader discusses the use of hand signals in the railroad industry. Hand signals are commonly used by crew members to communicate with each other, especially in situations where radio communication may be difficult or unreliable. The article provides examples of different hand signals and their meanings, such as raising and lowering the hand vertically to signal "proceed" and making a circular motion to signal "back up." The article also emphasizes the importance of eye contact when using hand signals and highlights the potential dangers of not properly understanding or following these signals. Overall, hand signals continue to be a useful tool in railroad operations, particularly in yards where multiple crews are working in close proximity. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Athearn Genesis HO General Electric P40DC diesel locomotive, which has been reintroduced to the Athearn product lineup. The model features a newly tooled body with prototype-specific details, such as cab mounted strobe lights and a red emergency light. The review sample is decorated as Amtrak P40DC No. 813, which was built in June 1993 and retired in October 2019. The model accurately represents the as-built configuration of the locomotive and includes details such as a detailed cab interior and factory-applied parts. The article also mentions the locomotive's performance and its compatibility with sound equipment. Overall, the Athearn Genesis GE P40DC is praised for its improved paint, better details, and advanced lighting features, making it a more accurate representation of its prototype counterpart. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses two retired engineers, Doug Riddell and Michael Sawyer, who both have a passion for trains and railroading. Doug, from the East Coast, worked as a locomotive engineer and Amtrak company photographer, while Michael, from the West Coast, worked as a locomotive engineer for 42 years. The article suggests that readers can learn more about their experiences by visiting the Trains.com website and clicking on the History section. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Model Railroader discusses a realistic derailment that occurred on the Allagash Railway, a freelanced railroad set in Maine. The derailment was caused by a shifting load in a car that was not supposed to be part of the train. The article praises the modeler, Mike Confalone, for his attention to detail and realistic modeling. It also mentions the importance of having scenery between the track and the layout edge to prevent damage to equipment. The article concludes by highlighting the social aspect of the hobby and the connections between different model railroaders. [Extracted from the article]

VIA's latest simulator has evolved from training tools dating from 2016; before that, Cooke says training consisted of a locomotive control stand in front of a 50-inch TV. "We try to recreate the whole trip an engineer will take - from printed documentation provided in the briefing room to the locomotive cab", says Cooke, on a Trains tour of the facility in September 2022. That's because Jonathan Cooke, VIA Rail Canada's senior manager, operating practices and transportation training, told console operator Pablo Larrain to change the weather inputs on VIA's engineer training locomotive simulator. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the operation of a train called the Spud on a timetable-and-trainorder layout. The Spud is an extra train without a regular schedule, and it must respect the schedules of regular trains No. 11 and No. 202. The article explains the use of train orders and clearances to designate the Spud as Extra 1027 West and ensure its safe operation. It also mentions the practice of flag protection and the importance of following specific instructions in train orders. The article concludes with a description of a successful meeting between the Spud and No. 202 at the Baked station. [Extracted from the article]

Broadway Limited Imports has released a new model of the Electro-Motive Division GP35 in HO scale. The model features railroad-specific details, cast- and etched-metal parts, and a factory-painted and installed crew figure. The GP35 was produced by Electro-Motive Division between 1963 and 1966, with over 1,300 units produced. The model is decorated as Chicago, Burlington & Quincy No. 992, which was part of the Burlington Northern fleet before being scrapped in 1973. The model closely matches the prototype, although there are a few detail discrepancies. The model has been tested and performs well, with a top speed of 76 scale mph. It also includes a built-in capacitor pack for reliable operation. Overall, the Broadway Limited Imports GP35 is a good representation of this popular second-generation diesel locomotive. [Extracted from the article]

All things being equal, I prefer spontaneous rail journeys, where a rail pass, flexible ticket, or inexpensive one-way tickets permits the rider to get on and off trains at will. In every issue I'VE MADE THOUSANDS of train rides, but I've never lost the exhilaration that one gives me. Many train riders I've chatted with on trains were passing acquaintances, while a few have become life-long friends. [Extracted from the article]

It was a laborious task as this track was only accessible by rail with a Burro Crane and hi-rail trucks. Features I WAS A VERY YOUNG assistant supervisor of track headquartered at Paoli, Pa., working for Penn Central in the mid-1970s. The Burro crane followed pushing the rail cart with a load of scrap rail on which I rode. [Extracted from the article]

At the scales west of Proctor it was customary to break a 180-car ore train in two, letting the road engine draw the first cars over the scale. On another topic, the engineer said derisively, "The yardmaster thinks he can train an engineer in two days and have him operating independently the third." Features AT AGE 18, I got the chance to ride in the cab of a Yellowstone steam engine as they were making their last runs. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "FROM THE CAB: A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS," discusses the reality of everyday railroading as experienced by a Seaboard Coast Line Railroad switching crew in October 1971. The author reflects on the common perception of railroading as depicted in art and photography, highlighting the contrast with the actual experiences of railroaders. The article also describes a photograph that captures the daily life of working railroaders, showing the brakeman and conductor braving the elements in a rainstorm while the engineer remains dry and warm in the cab. The author, who worked as a railroader, shares their personal connection to the photograph and the challenges faced in the profession. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Model Railroader discusses the process of delivering train orders. It explains that train orders were originally transmitted through telegraphy and later through telephones. The article describes the different instructions given in train orders, such as making copies for the conductor and engineer, and positioning the order board to signal approaching trains. It also mentions the use of thin onion-skin paper for orders, which allowed crew members to read them in low light. The article further explains the two types of train orders, Form 19 and Form 31, and the different methods of delivery. It concludes by mentioning the simplified process used on model railroads and recommends two books for further reading on the topic. The article includes a photograph by Jack Delano, a photographer whose railroad images are housed at the Library of Congress. [Extracted from the article]

Alcoa supplied aluminum for the cabs of 30 locomotives, and 10 locomotives had cabs of Cor-Ten steel. The new HO scale New York Central Class J-3a 4-6-4 Hudson features a die-cast metal boiler and frame and a Train Control Systems WOWSound dual-mode decoder. The tender truck sideframes are plastic, but the leading and trailing trucks on the locomotive have metal frames, which helps with tracking. [Extracted from the article]

At the completion of our tour of duty that day, I stapled the receipt for the $1.81 quart of oil to a note requesting C&NW reimburse me for getting the locomotive running and their train delivered to the customer. Features IN MY OWN WORDS ENGINEER for the Chicago & North Western Railway based out of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and operating an interdivisional train to Sioux City, Iowa. I informed our train dispatcher of our predicament, and he told me "Good luck", adding there were no other trains around to borrow an engine from. [Extracted from the article]

But FRA is concerned data from the study will be limited, much like a 2019 Government Accountability Office report that obtained relevant train-length data from just two of the then seven Class I systems. In every issue THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED in July requiring Class I railroads to provide monthly data that tracks train length and tonnage as well as the number of reportable accidents for trains over and under 7,500 feet. [Extracted from the article]

The Athearn GE Dash 9-44CW models is quite hefty, tipping the scales at 1 pound, 5.2 ounces. Athearn's GE Dash 9-44CW model has a multi-piece injection-molded plastic body and a die-cast metal underframe. Athearn has released a General Electric Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive in its Genesis 2.0 series. [Extracted from the article]

Features DURING SPRING 1979, I was working for the Boston & Maine Railroad as a fireman on commuter trains out of Boston's South Station. It would be nearly 40 years before Oscar saw another paycheck from the B&M. SHORT TRACKS & DWARF SIGNALS The station tracks at Boston's South Station were relatively short. [Extracted from the article]

The models, part of the WalthersProto line, feature railroad-specific details, lightemitting-diode headlights, and Proto-Max metal couplers. The later units had a brake wheel on the engineer's side of the long hood and an air horn on top of the cab above the headlights. The locomotives had a ratchet-style handbrake on the brakeman's side of the short hood and the air horn between the first and second radiator fans. [Extracted from the article]

Lavery's friend was working on a curve with very tight clearance between the engines and an adjacent track when he was struck by a yard job making a shoving move. That winter Lavery was furloughed from the track gang, so for a time he got a job doing non-railroad work. Discussions about railroad safety led me to David Lavery, whom our trainmaster Mike Lacey met through his connections at CSX and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. [Extracted from the article]

This was singletrack, Direct Traffic Control territory, where a dispatcher (DS) authorizes train movements from block to block, unlike TTTO and TWC point-to-point methods. DS began issuing authority: "K960 engine number 471 absolute north and south Boykins and Branchville blocks two blocks over." Railroad safety has depended on reliable radio communication since radio started replacing telegraph and telephones after World War II. [Extracted from the article]

Denver-based OMNITRAX agreed to purchase the assets of the 155-mile SAN LUIS & RIO GRANDE RAILROAD, a former IOWA PACIFIC HOLDINGS property that has been in bankruptcy for three years. The 105-mile SEMINOLE GULF RAILWAY in southwest Florida sustained an estimated $28 million in damage as a result of Hurricane Ian, including washouts to six major bridges. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses lessons learned from a railroad incident witnessed by Keokuk Junction Railway engineer Doug Henry in 2014. Topics covered include the details of the incident that involves the falling of a bridge. Also mentioned is the importance of the incident to ensure safety of passengers in the future.

An essay is presented related to lead-laced drinking water consumed by residents of Flint, Michigan. It also mentions failure of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor the aging water infrastructure. It also presents the views of engineer Marc Edwards high lead levels in water of Flint, Michigan.

Features BACK IN THE 1980S, I had a good friend who was a conductor on a local Conrail freight in southern New Jersey. The brakeman told me to stop, got off, threw the switch, and got back on the engine. Then I headed toward the yard office and the engine storage track. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the vibrating insole prototyped by Harvard's Wyss Institute engineer James Niemi for the improvement of the balance. Topics discussed include the discovery of James Collins, faculty member at Wyss Core Faculty, concerning the potential of vibrations in improving the motor control and balance of seniors, the licensing discussed by Wyss Institute with different companies, and the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The author describes how to keep the fire to make the most steam in steam locomotives. He says that his first assignment as a fireman was to maintain steam and water on a night-shift switch engine in Ash Fork, Arizona, in 1941. An engineer he met in the third district between Winslow and Seligman, Arizona, showed him how to handle the water level.

The article offers information on "Throttle time" programs helps participants to live their steam dreams and expand the budgets of museums. Topics discussed include engineer-for-a-day tickets to operate Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 No. 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation; the views of Kelly Lynch, Vice President of the event, on revenue; and the views of Eric Dilbeck, museum President, on live steam engine.