Prototype information
Thoughts On Drone Video
This video popped up on the trains forums, while it is impressive it is non the less illegal was wondering what the thoughts were of people on here....
Linoleum Industry
Hello Im going to be modeling the linoleum industry during the 70s.And Im looking for pictures or track plans of the Armstrong Linoleum/Cork in Lancaster Pa. Any information will be helpful.
Thank you
Mark Kingsbury
Freight Car data for mid-1980s
I Googled first 
, which lead me to here:
http://www.hosam.com/mod/rsdet.html
It appears that a newly painted car (new or rebuilt) would follow the 1982 COTS data (located in a consolidated stencil), no yellow dot (U-1 inspection) and no ACI label.
How long is a Trinity 31,000-gallon DOT-111 crude-oil tank car?
A quick Google search didn't readily yield any relevant results. About how long in feet is a modern 31,000-gallon, crude-oil tank car prototype? I recently bought a bunch of Atlas' new TrinityRail 31K crude-oil tank cars in N-scale. The Atlas cars are pretty neat, complete with BLMA trucks (with blue hubs), 36" BLMA metal wheel-sets, and body-mounted, brown BLMA couplers (how are these different from the BLMA models?). Thanks!
AAPRCO???
It was a special trip to the train yard today to see what the American Association of Passenger Rail Car Owners train that is staying here for a couple of days for their convention. They have a webpage if you want to know more about them. They have ways to charter a car or a seat and tour different parts of the country. We rubbed shoulders with some very friendly people there today.
It's an Uphill Battle!
Information any model railroader may already know... but, James Mays always seems to present these things in an entertaining, and informative way. (I blame this man for getting me back into Model Railroading, what with his "Flying Scotsman with Authentic Chuffing Sound")
rail trails to inspire modeling
Picking up from recent thread called 'rails & cycling' , let's talk about rail trails that help generate ideas for modelling. North of Traverse City, Mich., there's a rail trail where the tracks once served a ferry. Vinyards and orchards are abundant on both sides. It's easy to imagine the train crew making an unauthorized lunch stop and stealing some fruit.
The difference between model and prototype switching.
Looking over Dee's nice railroad and how he switched his industries I just remembered something I learned when training new conductor/engineers over the years using a small model railroad. As part of a "final" exam I would set up a short train of cars and ask the students to work together to switch a few industries put an outbound train together and take it to an interchange.
Interesting Logistics Warehouse Switching Track plan
Scouting around looking for inspiration for my next layout. I've found what I like is building/weathering freight cars and switching operations. Yesterday I was at our local hobby shop and saw a magazine I've never seen before called Cowcatcher Magazine, apparently geared towards mid-western and western railroads. There was a short article on a switching operation in Houston to the Genesis Worldwide Logistics warehouse off of Commerce Street. The warehouse is really a big one with eleven doors. You can find it on Google Maps by typing in the name.
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