How to add DCC sound to a compact HO switcher: When Bachmann introduced an HO scale General Electric 44-ton switcher, I knew it would make a great addition to my Boston & Maine roster. The model includes a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, and I bought a version in the B&M livery. Out of the […]
Type of Train: Diesel Locomotives
News & Products for the week of January 23rd 2023
News & Products for the week of January 23rd 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of January 23rd 2023. […]
Genesee & Wyoming agrees to settlement over Clean Air Act violations (updated)
WASHINGTON — Genesee & Wyoming will spend up to $42 million to correct Clean Air Act violations regarding locomotives under an agreement announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency. A complaint that was also filed Tuesday alleged that G&W and a number of its subsidiaries operated diesel locomotives with rebuilt […]
Rio Grande FT’s at Coal Creek
Four Rio Grande FT diesels labor up the Front Range of the Rockies with a 55-car freight out of Denver in March 1942. Smoke from the train’s 2-8-2 pusher is visible in the distance. This line up to and though Moffatt Tunnel was built by the Denver & Salt Lake but used heavily by Rio […]
News photos: Long-distance Charger goes to Florida
Tucked into Amtrak’s locomotive consist for southbound train No. 91, the Silver Star, on Friday, Jan. 20, was Siemens ALC42 Charger No. 316, shown as the train passed through Fredericksburg, Va. Photographer Nathan Richters reports it is believed to be the first revenue trip for a Charger in Florida service. The long-distance Chargers are gradually […]
How winter affects locomotives
Winter affects locomotives Diesel locomotives have many components and systems that can be negatively affected during periods of cold and snow if not maintained properly. From tap water to electrical systems, these features need to be able to handle the often-harsh conditions to which locomotives are assigned. Locomotives have traditionally idled year-round, and in the […]
Whitewater Valley Railroad fires up Lima-Hamilton switcher after 10-year restoration
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. – After a 10-year restoration effort, the Whitewater Valley Railroad has fired up its rare Armco Lima-Hamilton A-3080/LS-1000 switcher No. 709. The last time the prime mover ran was in 2005. Whitewater Valley is a heritage railroad that operates between Connersville and Metamora in southeastern Indiana. The engine was moved on the railroad’s trackage in […]
Santa Fe Electro-Motive Division repowered Alco PA/PBs from Rapido
Santa Fe Electro-Motive Division repowered Alco PA/PBs from Rapido Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-control model – 51L A-unit, $249.95; 51A and 51C A- and B-unit set, $459.90. With DCC and sound – 51L A-unit, $349.95; 51A and 51C A- and B-unit set, $669.90. Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R […]
Big Skies & Iron Rails, Let it Snow
Go ahead. Let it snow. That certainly won’t stop hard-charging, modern freight trains from rolling throughout the majestic backdrop of the Mountain West region. Nor will a few flakes or even a few feet of snow keep railfan Tom Danneman and his cohorts from making their way trackside to capture dramatic, wintertime action. And for […]
Big Skies & Iron Rails, Let it Snow
Go ahead. Let it snow. That certainly won’t stop hard-charging, modern freight trains from rolling throughout the majestic backdrop of the Mountain West region. Nor will a few flakes or even a few feet of snow keep railfan Tom Danneman and his cohorts from making their way trackside to capture dramatic, wintertime action. And for […]
Big Skies & Iron Rails, Let it Snow
Go ahead. Let it snow. That certainly won’t stop hard-charging, modern freight trains from rolling throughout the majestic backdrop of the Mountain West region. Nor will a few flakes or even a few feet of snow keep railfan Tom Danneman and his cohorts from making their way trackside to capture dramatic, wintertime action. And for […]
Electro-Motive Division E8 executive units from Rapido
Rapido Electro-Motive Division E8 executive units Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: A-A two-unit set, DC, $459.90; DC/DCC, sound, $669.90. Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Electro-Motive Division E8 executive units feature: Correct HEP muffler and hatch Roof-mounted cooling coils, non-skirted fuel tanks Heavy die-cast chassis Numerous road-specific […]