Amtrak in Deshler, Ohio
Feb 1, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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