Southern Pacific cab-forward 4-8-8-2 No. 4219 leads an extra train at Dunsmuir, Calif., in August 1948. Guy L. Dunscomb, Martin E. Hansen collection Q On some early Union Pacific and Southern Pacific steam and diesel locomotives there is an “X” in front of the number. Why is this done? – Leon Bassik, Langhorne, Pa. A […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, host David Popp returns to a topic first addressed in the May 2018 show. Who knew there are so many ways to bend styrene? David demonstrates some of your suggestions, and then turns to other topics related to T-Trak modules, […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, host David Popp returns to a topic first addressed in the May 2018 show. Who knew there are so many ways to bend styrene? David demonstrates some of your suggestions, and then turns to other topics related to T-Trak modules, […]
Q I heard the term “nitrogen blanket” in reference to a tank car. Could you explain what this is and what types of tank cars have these nitrogen blankets? – Mike Riley, Manchester, Mo. A The term “nitrogen blanket” refers to a padding (or a layer) of nitrogen gas put into a tank car to: […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp has shed his skis and winter gear and he’s now ready to spring into action answering your hobby questions! In this episode David addresses topics ranging from turnout control to locomotive repair to structure modeling. Watch, learn, and then pitch […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp has shed his skis and winter gear and he’s now ready to spring into action answering your hobby questions! In this episode David addresses topics ranging from turnout control to locomotive repair to structure modeling. Watch, learn, and then pitch […]
Home for the heaviest rebuild, repair, and repaint work on the Norfolk Southern system is the sprawling former Pennsylvania Railroad Juniata Shops in Altoona, Pa. The backshop is the heart of this operation in the Keystone State. Alex Mayes Diesel locomotives are amazing. They are built to withstand the rigors of service, running 24 hours […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this Olympic-themed episode, host David Popp goes for the gold answering as many of your toughest hobby questions as possible! Specific viewer inquiries relate to trackwork, wiring, scenery, modeling, and more! […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this Olympic-themed episode, host David Popp goes for the gold answering as many of your toughest hobby questions as possible! Specific viewer inquiries relate to trackwork, wiring, scenery, modeling, and more! […]
On Aug. 6, 2012, a single Illinois Central manned helper locomotive brings up the rear of a southbound Canadian National intermodal train working up Byron Hill on the Waukesha Subdivision near Byron, Wis. Tom Danneman Q How do locomotive engineers know they are doing equal work on trains equipped with manned helpers? – Robert A. […]
Northbound CSX Transportation aggregates train K944 is seen meeting intermodal train Q145 at Opelika, Ala., in 2010. Class I railroads use different kinds of schedules to keep their networks fluid and profitable, even on single-track lines. Frank Orona What time will the train depart? When will it arrive? While most people associate schedules with passenger […]
Sporting a red cab roof, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 4-8-4 No. 5632 departs Chicago Union Station in spring 1962 with an excursion. The locomotive’s graphite smokebox and firebox are also readily apparent. Ed DeRouin, Barbara DeRouin collection Restored Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 No. 315 shows off its contrasting graphite smokebox. Martin E. Hansen […]
