Video Review: Chicago, America’s Railroad Capital

Chicago-America’s Railroad Capital Kalmbach Publishing, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612. Approx. 60 minutes kalmbachhobbystore.com Generations of railfans have been impressed at the magnitude of railroad operations in and around the Windy City. Currently, the Chicago area sees 25 percent of US rail traffic and almost half of the nation’s intermodal shipments. Chicagoland, of course, […]

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The fine science of friction control

Hydraulic flange greasers are activated when a wheel rolls over an actuator, as shown on CSX’s Indianapolis Line Subdivision. Two photos, Eric Powell Forgive the pun, but it’s a slippery slope that railroads have to deal with, in terms of rail and flange lubrication. Too much or too little grease on the track can cause […]

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New model trains for the week of March 23, 2017

Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO Bombardier Transportation ALP-45DP dual-mode locomotive HO scale locomotives Bombardier Transportation ALP-45DP dual-mode locomotive. NJ Transit. Four road numbers. Illuminated, directional light-emitting-diode headlights, ditch lights, and red marker lights; positionable non-functioning pantograph; factory-applied railings, air horn, and antenna; modeler-installed grab irons with drilling template; and Kadee couplers. Direct-current model with 8-pin […]

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Quick Look: Kato N scale SDP40F diesel locomotive

Kato N scale SDP40F diesel locomotive Price: Direct-current, $125; with ESU LokSound Digital Command Control and sound, $250 Manufacturer Kato USA Inc. 100 Remington Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.katousa.com Era: 1988 to 1994 (as decorated) Road names: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (three road numbers) and BNSF Ry./Maersk (one number) Comments: Yes, we reviewed the […]

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Paper signal templates for your model railroad

On most operationally based model railroads, a working signal system seems to be on everyone’s wish list. In the April 2017 issue, model railroader Bruce Carpenter describes his novel approach to trying out a signal system using paper signal templates – the Human Model Railroad Interface. Click on the link below to download Bruce’s signal […]

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New model trains for the week of February 9, 2017

HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division F45 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (“Kodachrome” scheme); Burlington Northern (Great Northern patchout); and Great Northern. Three road numbers per scheme. Road-number-specific details, Flexicoil-C truck sideframes with high brake cylinders, and 4,000-gallon fuel tank. Direct-current model with 8- and 9-pin connectors for Digital Command Control decoder, $179.98; with […]

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O gauge LionChief Plus EMD GP20 by Lionel

O gauge LionChief Plus EMD GP20 by Lionel Price: $339.95 (no. 82172) Min Curve: O-31 Cmd Low: 2.32 smph Cnv Low: 3.7 smph High: 80.8 smph Drawbar pull: 1 lb., 11 oz. Features: Two can-style motors, LionChief Plus command system, RailSounds RC sound system, fan-driven smoke unit, coil couplers (operable only with remote), command- or […]

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CSX eyes major new Chicago intermodal ramp NEWSWIRE

Crete, Ill. Google Maps CHICAGO — The perennial problem of train and truck congestion in the Chicago region might have a major new safety valve if plans proceed for a new CSX Transportation intermodal ramp in the region. CSX is planning for a new ramp outside of the village of Crete, 33 miles south of […]

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