Measuring track curvature Q: Model railroaders measure curves in inches, which is easily understood. However, prototype railroads measure their curves in degrees. I’m accustomed to degrees as a measure of angles. How do degrees measure radii? – Alan Crouse A: We modelers measure track curvature by radius because it’s convenient. It’s usually easy to locate the center […]
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has awarded a grant toward a $1.9 million project for a warehouse and other improvements at Watco-served Port Birmingham. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority is contributing $1.1 million toward project, which includes a 25,000-square-foot warehouse and improvements to attract other commodities requiring indoor storage. […]
Alco PA-1 and Electro-Motive Division locomotive SW1500 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Alco PA-1, 1949-1960; Electro-Motive Division SW1500, March 1969 to late 1990s Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016, 614-764-1703 Alco PA-1 features: 7mm can motor Dual flywheels Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Six-axle trucks with blind (no flange) middle […]
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amtrak will launch seasonal service between New York and Pittsfield as part of a two-year pilot program beginning July 8. The Berkshire Flyer, operating in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will offer Friday service from Penn Station to Pittsfield via Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y. Return service will operate on Sundays. The Friday […]
EL PASO, Texas — About a dozen cars of a Union Pacific train derailed early Wednesday morning in central El Paso, KTSM-TV reports. The derailment occurred underneath a bridge where Cotton Street meets Interstate 10 at about 2:45 a.m. Cars involved included grain cars and some empty tank cars, a railroad representative told the station. […]
NORTH CREEK, N.Y. — The Tahawus segment of the former Saratoga & North Creek Railway has a new owner. Again. The Albany Times-Union reports that Revolution Rail will pay $2.7 million for the 30-mile segment of the line north of North Creek, which was not part of regular S&NC tourist operations. That portion leads to […]
WEST CHESTER, Pa. — A third county has approved formation of a new agency to lead efforts to restore rail passenger service between Reading, Pa., and Philadelphia, making official the organization’s creation. WFMZ-TV reports commissioners in Chester County unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday to form the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, following similar approvals […]
LOS ANGELES — The California High-Speed Rail Authority will provide more than $400 million for the project to improve Los Angeles Union Station, a project which will see through tracks for commuter and intercity rail operations created at the current stub-ended station in downtown L.A. The authority’s board on Wednesday approved the agreement with LA […]
WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic showed a significant slide for the second consecutive week, with overall volume down 7.4% from the same week in 2021. Statistics from the Association of American Railroads show 498,011 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending April 23, 2022. That includes total carloads, down 4.5%, and 268,976 containers and […]
Atlas O Premier line American Car & Foundry two-bay Center Flow covered hopper Scale: O (1:48) Price: $84.95 Era: 1960s to present (era varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205, 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com Features: ABS body Metal wheelsets with needle-point axles Die-cast metal trucks and couplers […]
Atlas O Master Line 53-foot rebuilt well car Scale: O (1:48) Price: $114.95 Era: Present Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205, 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com Features: Die-cast metal body Trucks with rotating bearing caps Brake rigging detail Etched metal walkways Minimum radius: 36” Available fourth quarter 2022 Road Names: Florida East Coast […]
Common name: Rainbow bush, variegated elephant bush Botanical name: Portulacaria afra f. variegata Plant type: Perennial Plant size: 4′ high x 4′ wide (easily kept much lower) USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (protected in other zones) Cultural needs: Gravelly, well drained, neutral, or slightly acidic soil; full sun The elephants and deer-like kudu of South Africa […]
