Q Certain states require fueling stations to blend biodiesel into diesel fuel for cars and trucks at different times of the year. Do railroads use biodiesel in their locomotives? – Brett Schmidt, Madison, Wis. A Class I railroads, regionals, short lines, and commuter agencies have tried biodiesel with a variety of blends from a 10-percent […]
Train Topic: Beginners
Ask MRVP: Episode 27
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The questions keep coming to Ask MRVP (Thank YOU!), so this month host David Popp enlists help from none other than Cody Grivno. Together they address inquires related to our MR&T HO scale layout, diesel detailing, working with foam scenery, layout trackwork, wiring, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 27
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The questions keep coming to Ask MRVP (Thank YOU!), so this month host David Popp enlists help from none other than Cody Grivno. Together they address inquires related to our MR&T HO scale layout, diesel detailing, working with foam scenery, layout trackwork, wiring, […]
Locomotives’ minimum speed
An ammeter in a GP40-2 with the short-time rating plate below. Note the duplicate time chart listed on the gauge as well. Chris Guss Q Why is it that a D.C. traction locomotive can stay below its continuous full-power minimum speed limit for only 30 minutes while an A.C. traction unit can grind away in […]
Diesel locomotive pooling
Two Canadian Pacific trains, with motive power from CP, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern, meet near Oconomowoc, Wis., in November 2014. Brian Schmidt Q It is common to see a train from one railroad which is powered, partially or fully, by locomotives from another railroad. Why does this happen so frequently and how is the […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 26
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Thanks to an abundance of inquiries last month, host David Popp had plenty to address in this extended-length June 2017 episode of Ask MRVP! David, along with help from Cody Grivno, Kent Johnson, and Ben Lake, tackles hobby questions regarding layout operation, turnouts, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 26
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Thanks to an abundance of inquiries last month, host David Popp had plenty to address in this extended-length June 2017 episode of Ask MRVP! David, along with help from Cody Grivno, Kent Johnson, and Ben Lake, tackles hobby questions regarding layout operation, turnouts, […]
Cabooses, not cabeese
Volunteers at the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Ind., prepare a string of cabooses (not cabeese) for an excursion in December 2013. Steve Sweeney Q If the plural of “goose” is “geese,” then is the plural of “caboose,” “cabeese?” What is the proper plural form of “caboose?” – William James, Manchester, N.H. A Our collected […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 25
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Warmer temps, Hawaiian shirts, and… (wait for it) turnout questions are back! In this May 2017 episode of Ask MRVP, host David Popp addresses a question regarding Pelle Søeborg’s scenery, installing backdrops, battery-powered trains, and much more! If you’re curious about these topics, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 25
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Warmer temps, Hawaiian shirts, and… (wait for it) turnout questions are back! In this May 2017 episode of Ask MRVP, host David Popp addresses a question regarding Pelle Søeborg’s scenery, installing backdrops, battery-powered trains, and much more! If you’re curious about these topics, […]
Montana Rail Link creation
On Sept. 26, 2013, Montana Rail Link’s eastbound Gas Local passes a westbound BNSF coal train in Plains, Mont., bound for Roberts Bank, British Columbia. Tom Danneman Q What was the reason BNSF sold off trackage to Montana Rail Link? As an observer, it appears most trains on the railroad are of BNSF origin. – […]
Big Boy braking power
Ten hoppers coupled to the Big Boy consist in January 2014 were used for additional braking power. Steve Sweeney Q Why was there a string of hopper cars in the consist moving Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 from Pomona to West Colton, Calif., in January 2014? – David Tritenbach, Kerrville, Texas A Although Union […]
