The tonnage profile for this Canadian National intermodal train gives overview and detailed information. Ray Weart collection Q When someone says the “weight of the train is xxx tons,” are they referring to the weight on the rails, or the effort needed to move it? Is there a difference?— Mike Llewellyn, Shamokin, Pa. A Yes, […]
For railroad builders in North America, a 2.2 percent climb was considered the standard maximum grade for a well-engineered mountain railroad. But why this number? And how did its adoption become so widespread? Using modern-day analysis of some famous mountain railroad grades, Trains Magazine’s September 2011 issue explores the origins and adoption of 2.2 percent […]
Still dressed in royal blue, a mail-express car and “comboose” 307 bring up the rear of NAR mixed train 75 at Egremont, Alta., in August 1972. J. David Ingles collection Several great trains have carried the name “Blue Train.” The most famous ones were in Europe and South Africa. Then there were the trains of […]
Bachmann Trains HO scale Electro-Motive GP9 diesel locomotive A smooth dual-flywheel mechanism and a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder highlight this new HO scale GP9 diesel from Bachmann. The four-axle locomotive model performed well during direct-current (DC) and DCC tests, and pulled a respectable number of freight cars on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy […]
Q While listening to the scanner during bad weather, I heard the Canadian National Rail Traffic Controller remind train crews that Rule “X” was in effect. What is Rule X and who can issue it? — Patrick Lallensack, Green Bay, Wis. A CN’s Rule X governs train operations during and after severe weather. Chief dispatchers […]
Low-drivered 2-8-0 No. 2174 struggles to keep up with 4-6-0 No. 1389 on CN train 48 for Winnipeg. Hal Lewis In the 1950s, Canadian National, as a government-owned railroad, was forced to operate many money-losing passenger trains because these trains were the only available mode of transportation in the areas they served. Such was the […]
ExactRail HO scale deck plate girder bridge Price: $44.95 (late version), $36.95 (early version and kits) ManufacturerExactRail LLC1053 South 1675 WestOrem, Utah 84058www.exactrail.com Era: 1920s to present Comments: This assembled plastic model from ExactRail makes it easy to add a highly detailed deck plate girder bridge to an HO scale layout. The bridge is 72 […]
Looking out the window of Canadian National SD70M-2 No. 8016, a Canadian Pacific transfer train on X-Track (left) waits for light power at Symington Yard in Winnipeg, Man., on Oct. 23, 2007. A. Ross Harrison photo […]
HO scale locomotives U.S. Military RR General Haupt 4-4-0 steam locomotive. Faulhaber-type coreless motor, operating headlight and firebox light, and electrical pickups on all tender wheels. Price to be announced. Late 2011. Ready-to-run. Eight-Wheeler Models, eightwheelermodels.com ExactRail LLC HO scale 48-foot depressed-center flatcar HO scale freight cars 48-foot depressed-center flatcar. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; […]
HINTON, Alta. — Twenty-five years to the day after one of Canada’s deadliest train crashes, the Edmonton Sun published the account of one of the heroes of the day. Ken Cuttle saved himself and two passengers by breaking the glass of a dome car and escaping before the car exploded in fire. On Feb. 8, […]
Q How have traffic patterns changed on the former Illinois Central line just west of Hawthorne Yard in Cicero, Ill., since Canadian National took over? Also, what is the latest on its future east of the ex-Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (now CN)? How much freight will be diverted off the Iowa line onto that route? […]
Q I just saw the preview for “Unstoppable.” How can a train with no air in the reserve tank and brake cylinders roll away? I thought once all the air is drained the brakes will automatically apply?— Andrew Marino, Lincoln Park, N.J. A Railroad air brake systems need air pressure to function, and it’s held […]
