MTH HO scale EMD GP38-2

MTH HO scale GP38-2 diesel locomotive The HO scale locomotive’s die-cast metal frame encloses the motor, flywheels, and gear towers. The printed-circuit board is attached to the top. The MTH Ready-2-Rail model’s molded detail is well-defined and matches the prototype. The handrails are flexible plastic to resist breaking. A four-axle road switcher that would look […]

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Cummins and Indiana Rail Road continue to test new engine NEWSWIRE

Cummins Inc. No. 1919 on display in Indianapolis on Nov. 9. Chris Guss INDIANAPOLIS — Cummins Inc. and the Indiana Rail Road recently unveiled a testing program featuring Cummins new QSK95 engine on the Midwest regional railroad. The railroad and Cummins hosted an event at the railroad’s terminal in downtown Indianapolis on Nov. 9. Cummins’ […]

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Trainfest 2016 show report

Athearn Trains HO scale General Electric ES44DC HO scale locomotives General Electric ES44DC. BNSF Ry. (Heritage II and III schemes), CSX (primer gray and as-delivered schemes), Norfolk Southern (primer gray and horsehead silhouette). Four road numbers per scheme (primer gray in two numbers each). Detailed cab interior, illuminated ditch lights, and railroad-specific cab detail. Direct-current […]

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Last rotating Griswold signal mechanism removed NEWSWIRE

A Griswold mechanical stop signal in Minneapolis. Nick Benson MINNEAPOLIS — The last mechanically operable stop signs on a Griswold crossing signal were removed in late October, having protected a BNSF Railway grade crossing in northeast Minneapolis, just 2.5 miles from where they were manufactured by the Griswold Signal Company. While the stop signs are […]

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Win a few, lose a few

Empty refrigerator cars race across the Union Pacific in Nebraska in the early ’50s. A UP conductor in Idaho talked his way out of a jam when his reefer train blocked a crossing, but got into trouble when he tried to enter the produce business himself. Linn H. Westcott Within any group, whether depicted in […]

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Florida East Coast engine to steam again NEWSWIRE

Florida East Coast No. 148 heads east on a Union Pacific train near Commerce City, Colo., on Oct. 18. Chip Sherman Florida East Coast Pacific-type 4-6-2 No. 147 is a sister locomotive to No. 148 shown in this undated photograph. Workers at ALCO Richmond, in Richmond, Va., built both locomotives for passenger service. C.W. Witbeck […]

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Locomotive gear ratios

Electric and diesel locomotives’ top speeds are governed by gear ratios and safe operations, like this Union Pacific westbound near Franklin Grove, Ill. Brian Schmidt Q What determines the theoretical top speed of a diesel locomotive? Is it the gear ratio? What other factors enter in? – Mike Pedersen, North Berwick, Maine A The maximum […]

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Vilas County Lumber Company turntable plan set

Turntable plan set in 1:24 scale Vilas County Lumber Company 12306 Lakeview Trail Homer Glen IL 60491 Prices: $18; plans only, $13; free shipping Website: www.VCLCo.com Photos of eight different turntables; full-size plans for 1:24-scale 60′ Lassig turntable; eight 9 1/2″ x 13″ pages and three 13″ x 19″ pages; spiral bound; printed in color; […]

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