ModelTrain Stuff is your ultimate destination for locomotives for model railroading enthusiasts! Model locomotives are miniature replicas of real-life trains, available in various scale models ranging from the impressive O scale to the intricate Z scale. These locomotives can be powered by different methods such as steam, diesel, gas, and electric, and can be controlled manually or through digital command control (DCC).
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Locomotive builders use model designations to differentiate between products, describing major features found on them. Often, these model designations will be used by the railroads who purchase them, or they will be shortened or modified to conform to space limitations on a computer system, uniform naming schemes, or to identify features that are important to that specific model. Today, the three major builders are Progress Rail and its EMD locomotives, Wabtec and its GE locomotives, and Siemens, which produces most new passenger power for North America. Progress Rail and Wabtec each produce primarily one locomotive model for North American freight customers, the SD70ACe-T4 and ET44AC, respectively, while Siemens has the SC-44 passenger locomotive.
When I was starting to take the hobby more serioiusly, I got a book called a Diesel Spotters guide. I model many 60's to present era, & that book is one that I have never put on the shelf. I look at the different loco types, former paint schemes & data for the loco's. To me it is a very important resource, & an idea generator! I know there may be a few different books called spotters guides & I think I may look at getting the ones I don't have by different authors. I'm sure any you choose may help.
Try doing an internet search using the railroad name and the engine number. "Union Pacific 2122" for example, or "Burlington Northern 7712" or whatever. There's a good chance it'll come up with something. You can also just do a search for something like "Southern Pacific diesel roster"; or see if there's a manufacturer's name and ID no. on the engine (like the bottom of the chassis) and search on that.
I must agree with your philosophy, Living in a railway town, all locomotives were referred to by their number, such as a C.P.R. "Selkirk" which is a 2-10-4 T-1-a or-b- or-c- their numbers were from 5900 to 5935, and were always referred to as a "5900" no one ever called them Selkirks, another example was the "Hudson" a 4-6-4, H-1-a to H-1-e, they were numbered 2800 to 2864 and were called "2800's" I never heard of a locomotive called by it's "name" I'm not sure if Americans called their locos by number or name, it seems model railroaders seem to use "names" over numbers, or even wheel arrangement. Many Canadian locomotives took their "names" from the classification of American locomotives- - -one exception being the "Selkirk" Americans referred to this type of loco as a "Texas" I don't think anyone used the "class" of the locomotive to identify it.
Can't always go with the railroad name and road number comination on diesel units. I have a couple of Burlington Northern E8/9s numbered 9804. That was a passenger F9. I also have a Burlington Northern GP30 numbered 181. That was an SW1200.
In terms of American locomotives they typically got their name for how/where they were used. 2-10-2 "Santa Fe" engines were created for the AT&SF. "Texas" type 2-10-4's were first seen in the state of Texas. "Prairie" 2-6-2's were produced and first used the flat prairie lands of the U.S. And of course the 2-8-4 "Berkshires" were first created to go over the Berkshire mountains.
C&O's 2-6-6-6 were known as "Allegheny" as they were made to pull heavy drags up the Allegheny mountains. According to what's written at the National Railroad Museum, the UP "Big Boy" locomotives got their name because at some point a worker wrote it on the first engine when it was being built. I do believe this was just one story of how the 4-8-8-4 received its name.
I have noticed though, that back when steam still ruled the rails and railroads actually encouraged rail fans, alot of pictures are captioned with the loco class and/or road number, sometimes with the engine type "name" sort of thrown in there as an after thought, with the photographer knowing that someone a rail fan will see his photo's and identify with the engine by its name rather than class number.
A rail fan like me. I tend to associate and identify with locomotives by their "name" and wheel classification. 2-8-4's are my favorite steamer for the most part. I can identify a "Berkshire" by looking at the wheel sets. I also identify with the locomotive itself though, not who built it, or for that matter who owned it. Different railroads had different class numbers for the same engine type, and even with in a single railroad there might be two or three locomotive class' for the 2-8-4, each with their identifying marks. I'm more interested in the engine itself, not what separated an XX railroad 2-8-4 from a YY railroad's 2-8-4, or even what signified a Class H1 2-8-4 from an H1a or H1Ib.
I usually go by the locomotive's railroad and engine number. There could be some exceptions to this rule. Norfolk Southern 8015 could be a C30-7 from the 1990's and a ES44AC presently . CSX 754 could be a SD70MAC in the early 2000's and now that number is for a ES44AH. Earl...
"NS 9000" only means something if you're a big fan of NS. I don't have any idea what sort of engine that would be (or if they even have a 9000, just pulled that out of thin air) without trying to look up an NS roster somewhere.
Embark on a journey into the past with this exquisite model of a British Railways 2-4-2 wheeled locomotive engine. While it no longer possesses its original locomotive power, this piece carries a rich history, having once circled the private estate perimeters in the Pasadena area.
Crafted with meticulous detail, the main body is fashioned from aged wood, complemented by metal wheels and running gear. Held together by brass screws, the entire ensemble exudes a captivating patina that tells the tale of its enduring charm and the passage of time.
Measuring a substantial 48 inches in length, 10 inches in width, and 17 inches in height, this remarkable model is not merely a display piece but a tangible link to a bygone era. A true gem, its presence adds a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to any space.
The locomotive features a wind-up ratchet key, "Start/Stop" switch for easy operation, and three main paired wheels with connecting rods, to send the train speeding away along any flat surface. The locomotive couples with an open coal tender that can be used to carry a favorite toy, snack or note to a loved one across the room!
To operate your DIY mechanical wooden train model, set the On/Off switch on the top front of the train to the "Off" position, give 6-7 turns of the ratchet dial on the side of the locomotive, place your train on the floor or on a table while holding it with your hand, then flip the switch to "On" and release. Rotational power is transmitted to the wheels through a gear block, while a flywheel slows and evens the acceleration of the train. The train's rubber band motor can be wound again and again, and if you ever need to replace the rubber bands this can be done easily by spooling out the line to which they are attached, using the ratchet key.
One of the great things about Ugears models is they can be built without glue or special tools. Everything you need for assembly comes right in the box. Just punch the laser pre-cut pieces out of their composite wood boards and snap together. Made from art-quality composite wood, Ugears models can be left in their attractive natural wood state, or colored, stained or painted in a color scheme of your choosing (paints not included). When assembling your Mini Locomotive remember to lightly sand and wax moving parts to make them run smoothly (wax and sandpaper included).
The DIY Mini Locomotive with tender is a great starter model for any youngster who loves trains, and provides an introduction to the larger fascinating world of Ugears 3D puzzles, DIY model kits, automatons, robots, wooden puzzle boxes and STEM Lab model kits. As your child learns to build these delightful, engaging toys they will also be building mechanical competence.
The Mini Locomotive will appeal to anyone who loves model trains, building things with their own hands, or to parents looking for an engaging craft project for a young builder. Get on the adventure express with Ugears' Mini Locomotive!
.Designed and authorized by Gabriele, the model is designed according to the building blocks for the Italian E464 electric locomotive. Green exterior with white sides make the train more in line with the classic color scheme of E464. Well-structured model is easy to build but sturdy enough. Featuring a unique color scheme and exquisite appearance, making it high aesthetic and collectible value.
.Part Details: Made from eco-friendly ABS material, 1044 high-quality parts packaged in bags and types, greatly reducing the time for building block enthusiasts to collect parts, and saving the purchase cost. Compatible with building block sets from famous Danish brands.
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