MRVP Insider: Chasing Union Pacific’s Big Boy

Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive

In May 2019, MRVP’s Ben Lake traveled with Trains magazine editors to capture the Union Pacific Big Boy’s historic first run after years of restoration. Tag along as Ben chases No. 4014 from the UP steam shops in Cheyenne, Wyo. to Carter, Wyo. in this MR Video Plus exclusive! […]

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New products from the September 2019 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine

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CABIN FEVER: Get away for a weekend in the woods with the O gauge no. BR5869 Rustic Cabin from Woodland Scenics. The features board and batten siding, a shake shingle roof, woodpile, and a covered porch with two rocking chairs. A pre-installed LED porchlight, compatible with Woodland’s Just Plug lighting system, is included. Price: $99.99. […]

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ASK TRAINS: How do you operate two steam locomotives together?

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On West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad, engine crews with three Shay locomotives signal each other with whistles for moves and stops. TRAINS: Steve Sweeney Q: When you have two steam engines together, how does the second engineer know how much throttle to give? — Dennis E. Schardt, Sr., Summerdale, Pa. A: We get asked this […]

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Ask Trains: Maps that show train frequencies

Q: Do you know if any publications, or any web pages, blogs, or any Internet resource that maintains a U.S. map that shows frequency of train service? — Frank Norris, Santa Fe, N.M. A: Simply put, no such resource exists as railroads hold traffic data as proprietary. The best way to learn about railroad operations, […]

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Ask Trains: When will C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 steam again?

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Steam locomotive restoration specialist Gary Bensman cuts out staybolts for replacement on Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 in 2017. TRAINS: Jim Wrinn Q: Can anyone provide a definitive status on whether Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 will be running in 2019? — Richard Eaton, Chevy Chase, Md. A: Railfans and railroad preservationists […]

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ASK TRAINS: Why Big Boy’s bell is painted red on the inside

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Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 pauses overnight at Rawlins, Wyo., in May 2019. Big Boy’s bell is painted red to keep it looking clean and well-kept. 19143-50 Ryan Nicolay Q: Why are the insides of the bells on Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 and 4-8-4 No. 844 painted red? — Scott Zygutis, Antioch, […]

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2019 National Train Show report, part 2

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Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD70ACe diesel locomotive. Pre-production sample shown. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division SD70ACe diesel locomotive. Pre-production sample shown. Union Pacific (George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum). One road number (2018 version with black radiator fan housings). Removable cab roof secured with magnets, light-emitting-diode headlights and ditch lights, and commemorative box. […]

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