Along with simply watching a train go by, many people are also interested in
knowing how a train works (I've always been). To that end I've written pieces on
how modern locomotives work, how air brakes work, how railroad signalling work, and other
subject areas, most of which I've reproduced here, along with links to other like resources
(some of the links put my work to shame!).
Follows some material that should help the curious.
Diesel-Electric & Electric Locomotives
There seems to be far more technical information that is far
more readilly available on steam locomotives than on historical and
contemporary non-steam locomotives: Here are my attempts to remedy those oversights.
Signalling
There is now a wealth of information on signals and signalling technology
available. This is not surprising, as a great deal of information concerning
train movements may be gargered from watching trackside signals. Using
Pennsy-style Position-Light Signals (what do you want -- I grew up on
L.I.), here are my pages on representative signals, including sequences of signals
approaching an interlocking or occupied block, with some alternative aspects,
such as Amtrak color-position light, B&O color-position light, and NYC
searchlights.
- Additional information at off-site links
More Information -- Links Off-Site:
(for the most part not duplicated on my links page)
General Railroad Technical Information
- Railway Technical Pages
Also find here information on steam, diesel, and electric locomotives,
on-train auxillary power systems, electric power distribution systems,
brakes, signals, and MU operations: just tons of information.
Links to Really Good Signal Information
Information on Air Brakes and related information
Turbine Powered Locomotives/Trainsets
Reporting Marks
Who owns those locomotives? Those cars?
Reporting Marks are those two to four letter prefixes to car and locomotive numbers:
try looking them up at
Railinc's look-up utility for
"Marks."
- Additional information may be found at the many sites listed on my
links page, especially under