Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page With the new year, comes a new episode of Ask MRVP! To get things started off strong, host David Popp addresses your specific viewer inquiries related to trackwork, wiring, scenery, and much more. But of course, only MRVP subscribers benefit from having an […]
Train Topic: Beginners
Ask MRVP: Episode 32
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page With the new year, comes a new episode of Ask MRVP! To get things started off strong, host David Popp addresses your specific viewer inquiries related to trackwork, wiring, scenery, and much more. But of course, only MRVP subscribers benefit from having an […]
All about air horns
Horns are typically placed near the middle of the locomotive to minimize noise to the crew. New Canadian National ET44AC No. 3062 shows off its Nathan K5HLR2. Chris Guss A horn is one of the many safety appliances installed on a locomotive and is used to warn both the general public and railroad employees while […]
Railroad bridges, viaducts, and trestles
Bridge: A bridge comprising multiple span types crosses Swinomish Slough on BNSF Railway’s Anacortes Spur in Washington. Three photos, David Honan Q From the perspective of the railroads, what is the difference between bridges, trestles, and viaducts? – Ron Dutton, Los Angeles Viaduct: Union Pacific’s Joso Bridge carries the Ayer Subdivision over the Snake River […]
Why does locomotive smoke change color?
Cass Scenic Railroad’s Heisler No. 6 climbs a grade puffing smoke and steam into a gray cloud. Steve Sweeney Q Why is it that one locomotive, on the same day, may have black exhaust, white/light gray, or at times almost invisible exhaust coming from the smoke stack? – Russ Gray, Kernersville, N.C. A The color […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 31
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp is back to host the final Ask MRVP of 2017! In this episode, he enlists the help of Cody Grivno, Eric White, and even Mr. Flexy, to address inquiries related to DCC, benchwork, trackwork, painting, layout planning and more! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 31
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp is back to host the final Ask MRVP of 2017! In this episode, he enlists the help of Cody Grivno, Eric White, and even Mr. Flexy, to address inquiries related to DCC, benchwork, trackwork, painting, layout planning and more! […]
Diesel-hydraulic locomotives
Krauss-Maffei diesel-hydraulic No. 9120 pulls an excursion for the Pacific Locomotive Association out of Oakland, Calif., in April 1967. The same organization would later work to restore sister unit No. 9010 to operation. Robert L. Hogan Q What can you tell me about the Krauss-Maffei diesel-hydraulic locomotives that operated in the U.S. in the 1960s? […]
Tracking train lengths
Controls for measuring the length of a train (circled) are integrated into the touch screen Video Information Display on an EMD SD70ACe. Tom Danneman Q If an engineer has a train with 100 or more cars and he gets a signal to take the siding, how does he know when he and all the cars […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 30
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page His mind might still be on vacation, but our heroic host is still able to answer your questions in a single breath! In this episode, David handles Ask MRVP inquiries related to trackwork, kitbashing, painting, making scenery, buildings structures, prototype car type usage, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 30
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page His mind might still be on vacation, but our heroic host is still able to answer your questions in a single breath! In this episode, David handles Ask MRVP inquiries related to trackwork, kitbashing, painting, making scenery, buildings structures, prototype car type usage, […]
Railroad business trains
On June 8, 2015, Montana Rail Link’s business train soars high over the white waters of Fish Creek, near Rivulet, Mont. During this trip, the railroad’s owner, Dennis Washington, hosted business partners aboard the train. Steven Welch Q What is the purpose of railroad business and inspection trains, and who would use them? – Dennis […]