South Bend Signal Co. automatic semaphore signal

South Bend Signal Co. semaphore

Kevin Strong 1:26 scale, automatic semaphore signalSouth Bend Signal Co.2303 Creek Rd.Niles MI 49120Price $60Website: www.sbsignal.com Large-scale semaphore; actuated by infra-red light; no wiring necessary. Dimensions: Height, 10″; width, 1″; length, 2½” Pros: No wiring necessary; easy installation on any railroad Cons: Cabinet may not be waterproof for permanent outdoor installations Kevin Strong I recently […]

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Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module

Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module

Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module Kevin Strong iMax Reverse Loop ModuleMassoth Electronics6585 Remington Dr. Suite 200Cummings GA 30040Price: $128.50Web site: www.massoth.com 15-amp capacity, automatic reverse-loop detection and direction-control system for DCC or DC operation Pros: Non-shorting detection eliminates arcing and pits that can damage wheels and track; works with DCC and analog DC (with […]

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Two WNY&P diesels storm eastbound

Smoking like Alcos do, a pair of Western New York & Pennsylvania diesels storm eastbound past Almond, N.Y., on Sept. 20, 2009. WNY&P is an Alco-only short line operating over a portion of the Erie empire. Photo by Richard S. Perry […]

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Miniature Scale Models LLP lamp post

Victorian lamp post

Marc Horovitz 16mm scale, Victorian lamp postMiniature Scale Models LLP49 River MeadBraintree, Essex CM7 9AXGreat BritainAvailable in the US from: C&OCRyPO Box 57Rogue River OR 97537 Price: $16.95 each + s&hWeb sites: www.miniaturescalemodels.co.uk or www.cocry.com Plastic-and-metal lamp post; available in green and black; 12V light bulb included; intended to be mounted on a board or […]

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Ask Trains from December 2005

Q I saw an unclear photo of a Pennsylvania steam locomotive identified as an S2, with the number 6200. Two things caught my eye: the 6-8-6 wheel arrangement, and the absence of any visible cylinders or driving rods. What can you tell me about it?– J.H. Lehman, Dayton, Ohio A The 6200 was a one-of-a-kind […]

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Ask Trains from November 2005

Q I saw a big tank car (DUPX 29744) at Wilson, N.C. It was quite long, with four trucks. What products do these cars carry? How many are there, how heavy are they, and why so big? – D. Wescott, Wilson, N.C. A It is a 43,800-gallon, 526,000-pound (gross weight) car owned by DuPont, in […]

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Ask Trains from May 2007

Q On page 57 of January TRAINS is a magnificent photo of a BNSF train about to hit the diamonds at Savanna, Ill. What intrigues me is thepattern on the railheads within the diamond. They appear to be deliberate and not just from wear. Is there a reason for them, or are my eyes deceiving […]

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Ask Trains from October 2008

Q My 5-year-old grandson asked me, “Where do engineers go to the bathroom?” I told him that locomotives probably have a restroom similar to those on airplanes. What restroom facilities are available on locomotives, and where are they located? Who runs the train in his absence? Are comfort breaks governed by either federal or union […]

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South Bend Signal Company signalling system

Marc Horovitz Vital statistics 1:32-scale signalling systemSouth Bend Signal Company2303 Creek RoadNiles MI 49120Prices: See textWeb site: www.sbsignal.com One- or two-target searchlight-style signals for 1:32 scale (or similar scales) plus controllers; LED lights; will show red, amber, green; signals made of styrene and brass; fully painted and ready to go; complete instructions provided; intended for […]

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Allan Clark switchstand

Marc Horovitz 1:20.3-scale harp switchstandAllan Clark1232 Oceanside DriveQualicum Beach BC V9K 1C6CanadaPrices: Kit, $20US + s&h; built, $25US + s&h Web site: www.grantspassandpacificrailroad.com All brass, three-position harp switchstand; available as a kit or built up; three position; modeled after DSP&P switchstand; intended primarily for stub switches. Dimensions: base, 1¼” wide x 1½” high; mast, 4″ […]

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CTC: Remotely directing the movement of trains

Who controls the movement of the trains after the tower is closed? The train dispatcher is the most common heir to the towerman’s duties, but not always. The type of control used depends on the nature and density of the rail traffic handled at the location. Ways to preventing trains from colliding when railroad lines […]

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