RAILforum: Need Train Help!!

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Posted by The Fuel, Fuse, & Flame (Member # 322) on :

Does anybody know where I can learn more about trains and the railroad system? Basically things like train and railway operations, terms, and jargon. Not real complicated stuff just basics.

Also does anybody know what those old railroad vehicles that two (or so) people stand across each other and push and pull on a seesaw type of thing (that propels the rail-vehicle forward) are called?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by richarddschivley (Member # 274) on :

Welcome, to The Forum! I would expect the best place to read up on railroads, would be your public library. Or, you could contact, Kalmbach Publishers@1-800-533-6644, ask them about their publications relative to, trains and operations. A subscription to, TRAINS MAGAZINE, may be all you need! The 2-man vehicle you referred to is a, Gandy-dancer, a vehicle propelled by, raw-muscle power. ....Richard

Posted by Joe Pasteris (Member # 4) on :

If you have scanner you can listen to dispatchers communicate to the engineers on the road channels. Tune in to 160.000 to 162.000mhz where most railroad channels are on. Have fun.

Posted by Oakfield Railroad Museum (Member # 137) on :

The rail car you speak of is a handcar, or pede which is the shortened version for velocipede. A gandy dancer is a trackman and gets the name from the motions they make while forcing ballast under crossties with a tamping spade.

quote:
Originally posted by The Fuel, Fuse, & Flame:
Does anybody know where I can learn more about trains and the railroad system? Basically things like train and railway operations, terms, and jargon. Not real complicated stuff just basics.
Also does anybody know what those old railroad vehicles that two (or so) people stand across each other and push and pull on a seesaw type of thing (that propels the rail-vehicle forward) are called?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.