Best way to learn about modern railroads

[Nevin Wilson]

Recently I've become enamored with the Maryland Midland Railroad and I have been even contemplating making it my next model railroad.  I've come to realize that I know next to nothing about modern railroads and equipment.  I've been modeling for 40 years but I started in HOn3 migrated to Sn3 and then moved to HO steam (mostly 1915).  The newest engine I have ever owned was a Western Maryland F7.  So I know lots about truss rods and slide valves but very little about CSX or anything else after 1960.  I do know what an SD40-2 looks like, so I've got that going for me 

So, my question is, what would be the best resource to learn about modern US railroads and equipment?  Is there a good book or website?   

[Harrison]

If you're modeling a short line, this is a good video to watch, free on MRVP.

http://mrv.trains.com/series/drews-trackside-adventures/2017/04/taking-care-of-business-sms-rail-lines

Here is a locomotive roster of the Maryland Midland.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?id=MMID

Look at photos, watch videos, and get out trackside.  Have fun!

[Brammy]

There are two books which may help: Modern Freight Cars Rolling Stock from the 60's Through Today, and Guide to North American Diesels. Both by Jeff Wilson. I have both books and find them helpful. Also, YouTube is great for these things.

[mlehman]

Most RRs still use easily accessible FM radio freqs around 160 MHz. Most any cheap scanner will pick these transmissions up. Then go to:

https://www.radioreference.com/

And look up your state, in this case, Maryland. Then look up statewide frequencies that aren't public service agencies. You'll see a link to the RR freqs and under that, you'll see something like regional RRs. There I found these 2 freqs for the Maryland Midland.

160.54500
160.96500

Plug those into your scanner and listen for a month. You'll likely learn a lot, which combined with some local railfanning, will provide you with extensive knowledge of the day to day operations on the MM.

[cuyama]

An Internet search on "Maryland Midland Railroad" yields many useful results. Including:

Corporate web page

Railfan guide

... and many more

[BigDaddy]

Nevin Wilson

So I know lots about truss rods and slide valves but very little about CSX or anything else after 1960. I do know what an SD40-2 looks like, so I've got that going for me Big Smile

I think the OP might also be asking about the actual parts on a diesel, where is the battery box, what is a dynamic brake, what is a winterization hatch etc.

 

[Nevin Wilson]

I just ordered both books. Thanks.

[NHTX]

     Another resource I wish we had 50 years ago is Google Earth.  With the street views you can view industries, structures etc from the comfort of home.  You can go behind fences without trespassing.

     As far as "A" good resource, there are many, as there are aspects of the hobby.  Don't overlook the value of print media, both prototype and model.  "Trains" magazine will keep you abreast of the current as well as recent past goings-on in the real world.  The model press will keep you informed as to the latest hobby developments.  Try to get Maryland Midland timetables, special instructions, etc.  

[BigDaddy]

[Brammy]

As an aside, I see a lot of the two-bay Midland Maryland hoppers up in the Northeast. I want to get some.

[xboxtravis7992]

I mean if its anything like most railroads, there has to be some Facebook group for the Maryland area or that specific railroad were railfans get together and share pictures and trackside experiences. You might have to filter the information you get from that group (some railfans are near experts on railroading, others talk much but say little that is true...). But its a quick way for sure to get a lot of prototype photos and maybe get a hang of train symbols and operations. 

[Brammy]

My general routine for research is: - Start with YouTube. So many videos on there. - Write down the loco numbers, and some rolling stock I am interested in. - Search a site like rrpicturearchive with the road name and number. That will tell me the type of unit/rolling stock. - I then search for models. Now, that said, everything we model is historical fiction for the most part. Unless someone is replicating an area to detail -- which is pretty much impossible, you are doing your own spin and interpretation. You will find your own line you won't cross when it comes to accuracy.

[wjstix]

This might be a low-tech option, but just going to a local rail line and watching trains go by will give you a lot of insight into railroad equipment of the last 20 years or so.

As Yogi Berra said, "you can observe a lot by just  watching".

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

Check out Railpictures.net.

Hope this helps.

[NS6770fan]

The best place to learn how to ID locomotives is a photo roster. I like to use NSDash9.com for NS, thedieselstop.us for CSX, and Northeast.railfan.net for any others. The combination of these will help you learn any locomotive  type. You can also use rrpicturesarchieves (pictures and rosters) or Railpictures (just Pictures) for Tons of loco pics.