Amtrak in Deshler, Ohio
Feb 1, 2017·Ask Trains

Amtrak in Deshler, Ohio

Amtrak’s ‘Three Rivers’ passes through Deshler, Ohio, in January 2003. Brian Schmidt Q While watching a DVD recently, I noticed…

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Northeast Corridor safety
Jan 1, 2017·Ask Trains

Northeast Corridor safety

Extra tall fences (seen on the overpass in the background) often protect electrified lines from road debris. Michael S. Murray…

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Galvanic corrosion
Dec 15, 2016·Ask Trains

Galvanic corrosion

This coal hopper, seen in Butler, Wis., has a main body built from aluminum and a center sill made of…

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1990s B units
Dec 1, 2016·Ask Trains

1990s B units

Santa Fe management ordered 23 GP60B units in 1991 for road service. Today, these four-axle veterans still ply BNSF Railway…

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Locomotive gear ratios
Nov 1, 2016·Ask Trains

Locomotive gear ratios

Electric and diesel locomotives’ top speeds are governed by gear ratios and safe operations, like this Union Pacific westbound near…

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Amtrak equipment usage
Oct 15, 2016·Ask Trains

Amtrak equipment usage

Amtrak’s ‘Empire Builder’s consist will vary, but the number of trainsets for a route depends on schedules. Here it is…

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What is “HERZOG?”
Oct 1, 2016·Ask Trains

What is “HERZOG?”

Herzog freight cars are often seen in track maintenance and repair projects, such as this ballast train. Mike Yuhas Q…

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Steam whistles
Sep 15, 2016·Ask Trains

Steam whistles

From the beginning of U.S. railroading, each railroad chose its own whistles that varied from high to low in pitch.…

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Blue bearing caps
Sep 1, 2016·Ask Trains

Blue bearing caps

Two blue end caps for bearings made by Amsted Rail’s Brenco Inc. appear on a freight car truck at the…

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Vertical crossing signals
Aug 15, 2016·Ask Trains

Vertical crossing signals

A less common crossing signal warned motorists of oncoming trains by blinking “stop.” Kevin King Q As a child in…

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Whistles for helper engines
Aug 1, 2016·Ask Trains

Whistles for helper engines

On West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad, engine crews with three Shay locomotives signal each other with whistles for moves and…

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