Prototype information

Ditch light timeline

We got some excellent information in the rail car storage thread so here's scouting for more insight this time on ditch lights.

I can find that they became mandatory in the US as of 31 December 1997, and that there was much earlier use of some kind of ditch lights in the Canadian mountain west by CP and CN; but I did not find any sort of conversion timeline by railroad.

Car Storage

I've seen some cuts of cars parked along short line railroad sidings and even main lines for weeks or months without being moved, and I'm assuming (yeah) that these cars are being stored for a fee. None have reporting marks for the road they are stored on. I've also seen some that were there for weeks and then one day they were gone.

Flatpenny's picture

Anti-skid gray on intermodal flatcars?

Does anyone have any good prototype photos of anti-skid gray paint used on Trailer Train & TTX intermodal equipment?  Model manufactures' colors for anti-skid material range wildly and in most of the photos I've found from the usual internet sources the material is worn off.  So I'm looking for prototype photos of relatively new anti-skid gray for future projects.  Thanks in advance.

Brant

MikeHughes's picture

The Shay Locomotive - An Illustrated History. White River Productions

Happened by Central Hobbies in Vancouver today in search of Woodland Scenics foam Inclines for the B&H extension, and these had just arrived.

I’ve only had time to read the first couple of chapters and page flip the 639 pages of this fascinating and very well bound Reference Book that contains many details and photos drawn from ShayLocomotives.com.  Includes a complete Builder’s list.

Getting Real:Modeling Kansas City Union Station

Signal Documentation

I will collect documentation in the following posts. One of my early challenges was how to name everything that needed naming; blocks, control points, indications, &c. 

Modern railroad served warehouse

Hi all

I'm wondering about the typical floor height in a modern railroad served warehouse.Presumably the warehouse is designed so that forklifts can place loads in the boxcar. Does this mean that there is a platform inside the warehouse at boxcar floor height or will the whole warehouse floor be at the same height?

I'm just about to scratch / kitbash a warehouse so just wondering if I need to put the floor at boxcar level or just closer to the natural ground level.

bagal

Roger Litwiller's picture

Rehab My Wrecker

Before and After photos of the latest project on my layout, the Trenton Subdivision in N Scale rehabing this old heavy lift crane. Read on for details.

Eric H.'s picture

What's on Your Workbench - November 2021

The days are shorter and the lawn doesn't need as much attention. You have time again for layout and workbench projects! Share notes and photos on your current workbench and layout projects!

Eric

 

Eric Hansmann
Contributing Editor, Model Railroad Hobbyist

Follow along with my railroad modeling:
http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/

Requesting Engineer's Thoughts

Several MRH-ers have operated a variety of diesel locomotives as can be seen from these prototype threads. Some are still doing so and some have even run old iron horses.

Of those you've operated which ones come to mind as your preferred (or disliked) ride?

What engine do you like for over the road? Switching duties?

What qualities make for the one you like and/or the one you don't care for as much?

Second category of "I know an engineer and he once remarked..." included.


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