Ask MRVP: Episode 33

David Popp wearing a winter hat, bright yellow jacket, and cross country skis outside in the snow.

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! […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 33

David Popp wearing a winter hat, bright yellow jacket, and cross country skis outside in the snow.

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! […]

Read More…

Helper locomotive crews

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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. […]

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Scheduling freight trains

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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 […]

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Steam locomotive paint

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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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 32

David Popp standing in front of a table with track turnouts and the N scale Canadian Canyons layout in the backround.

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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 32

David Popp standing in front of a table with track turnouts and the N scale Canadian Canyons layout in the backround.

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 […]

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All about air horns

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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 […]

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Railroad bridges, viaducts, and trestles

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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 […]

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Why does locomotive smoke change color?

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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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 31

David Popp standing in front of an N scale model railroad layout.

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! […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 31

David Popp standing in front of an N scale model railroad layout.

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! […]

Read More…