Q What does it mean when diesel locomotives are “isolated?”— Ray Russell, Naples, Fla. A “Isolating” a particular locomotive in a multiple-unit consist means that the prime mover is still running, but the main generator and electrical system for propulsion are disconnected. The locomotive will not respond to throttle settings and essentially is along for […]
Section: Ask Trains
Locomotive in Brookside Park
Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2707 is moved to Brookside Park in Cleveland in the mid-1950s. C&O Q In the 1960s and ’70s, I saw a steam locomotive in Brookside Park near the Cleveland Zoo. A group removed it later. Was it restored or scrapped? — Larry Matus, North Ridgeville, Ohio A The locomotive in […]
Pennsy Tubular Train
The Pennsylvania Railroad’s Keystone Tubular Train, built by The Budd Co. in 1956, was designed to hug the rails tighter and enable faster transit times. PRR Q What happened to the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Keystone Tubular Train? I heard it was in Michigan and derailed on its way to a new owner for dinner train service.— […]
Weight of trains
The tonnage profile for this Canadian National intermodal train gives overview and detailed information. Ray Weart collection Q When someone says the “weight of the train is xxx tons,” are they referring to the weight on the rails, or the effort needed to move it? Is there a difference?— Mike Llewellyn, Shamokin, Pa. A Yes, […]
Cabooses on Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern and some other railroads use cabooses or riding platforms to protect shove moves. NS Q I know Class I railroads haven’t used cabooses for some years. On a Roanoke, Va., webcam, though, I have seen Norfolk Southern use a caboose on many occasions. The trains do not look like work trains, but rather […]
“Manifest” in railroading
Q What does the term “manifest” mean in relation to railroading? Where and when did it originate?— Wesley Greer, Castle Rock, Colo. A Manifest comes from the Latin word manifestus, meaning “visible,” or “detected in the act.” It went into Middle English (because the Romans occupied England for a while), and in 1432 the word […]
Talgo speed comparison
Talgo’s pendular suspension lowers the carbody’s center of gravity and relocates its center of rotation, all enabling Talgo cars to take curves faster without causing excessive passenger discomfort due to the centrifugal force. Q How much faster would a Talgo-like train be than a conventional single level or bilevel (Superliner) over the same stretch of […]
Chinese steam for sale?
Q I saw an ad for Chinese steam locomotives by Multipower International Inc., in Towaco, N.J. The company offers used and rebuilt steam locomotives for sale or can provide a custom built one. Can you tell us more about this company?— Robert Holland, Palmdale, Calif. A Multipower International is owned by Ge Qiang, who is […]
Hooded signal lights
The hood on this Norfolk Southern signal better directs the light’s beam. Doug Koontz Q CSX lineside signals all have “blinders,” a cone about a foot long that surrounds all three signal lights, so the lights only show straight down the track. Why are they used?— Richard Hoffman, Bowling Green, Ky. A The use of […]
“Shoo-fly track”
Q Does anyone know the origin of the term “shoo-fly track?”— Gordon Osmundson, Oakland, Calif. A According to the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary, this is an American expression, first noted in 1903 and denoting a temporary track. The word “shoo” means go away, and presumably to do so “on the fly” is […]
Auxiliary tender and steam generator cars
These two cars at Steamtown National Historical Site look similar but had different uses. Hank Ickes Q In the yard at Steamtown National Historical Site in Scranton, Pa., are two cars that I couldn’t identify. Do you know what purpose these cars had? — Hank Ickes, Arlington, Va. A One is an auxiliary tender or […]
DPU rear markers
Rear-end locomotives on distributed power trains may run with or without flashing rear end devices. Steve Schmollinger Q I see distributed power on BNSF freights inbound into San Diego, and some have flashing rear end devices attached to the coupler at the end locomotives. What are the circumstances for using a FRED on end-of-train locomotives?— […]
