Making Tracks - April 2026

Moving Down, Then Up!

Once again, the main topic of this newsletter is "moving", but I want to reassure everyone that even though the first move is downward to a storage area, the next move will be definitely UP and active and better than ever.

We are looking at some excellent locations, some in Virginia Beach and some in Norfolk. I must say Norfolk Downtown Council has been the most accomodating and helpful in this regard. I think they have realized based on their experience with us over the past year and a half that we really are able to provide a valuable community service and attraction for both residents and tourists alike. Wherever we are located, we tend to attract visitors for all the surrounding establishments, whether they be restaurants, movie theaters, coffee shops or other retail stores. People often like to do more than one thing when they go out of the house. So they say, let's go to the train museum and see what's new there, and, oh, while we're there, let's go to the lunch place nearby, or stop by Starbuck's for coffee. We tend to draw people out. When we were at Fairfield Shopping Center for nine years, the owner of the center would frequently tell us how our presence increased all the surrounding businesses income by 20%. As a result, he didn't even charge us for rent!

In the meantime, we have found a small place where we can temporarily have an office, a store, and a small storage area where we will be able to display at least two of our layouts. This will be at the west end of the Fairfield Shopping Center in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach with the mailing address of 750 Lord Dunmore Dr., Suite #109, Norfolk, VA 23464. We already have a sign up there near the door. It's a small place, but just temporary until we can regroup and get something bigger and better.

Thanks again to all of our supporters. We will keep you posted.

New Page on the Website

We just wanted to draw your attention to a new page on the website that will serve as a directory for railroad-related places to go and things to see, starting with local and regional locations and extending out to national railroads, museums and railroad excursions. If there are additional places you would like to put on this list, please add them to the comment box below or at the bottom of that new page.

https://www.mrmhr.org/Local-railroad-destinations-and-events.html

Train Song of the Month

By Frank Reed

Chattanooga Choo Choo(1941)
Glen Miller

https://youtu.be/gIC94gEUuc8?si=EV0Zn4HNHifaJBBA

"Chattanooga Choo Choo" is a 1941 song that was written by Mack Gordon and composed by Harry Warren.  It was originally recorded as a big band/swing tune by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra and featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade.  It was the first song to receive a gold record, presented by RCA Victor in 1942, for sales of 1.2 million copies.

Alton Glen "Glenn" Miller (March 1, 1904 – December 15, 1944) was an American big band conductor, arranger, composer, trombonist, and recording artist before and during World War II when he became an US Army officer and went missing in a military aviation incident.

The song was inspired by the Southern Railway’s Birmingham Special and served as a nickname for the first passenger train connecting Cincinnati to Chattanooga after the Civil War.  Starting in 1880, the Cincinnati Southern Railway’s first passenger train was nicknamed the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" after a reporter's remark.

For more “train songs” check out the “Train Songs for Model Railroad ” YouTube playlist at

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL07n2-n5FoRHYzhKfA--soywuLOFvEv1l&si=IODFaTIeOe7OBQ7G

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🚂Spotting the Icons: A Guide to Common Diesel Locomotives (Starting from the 1950s)

The 1950s marked a powerful transition in rail history: the steady replacement of steam engines with diesel-electric locomotives. Much like the number 5 symbolizes transition and change across cultures, this decade represents a pivotal “midpoint” in railway evolution—where tradition met modern engineering.

Let’s explore the most common diesel locomotives from the 1950s onward—and how to recognize them trackside.

🔧 1950s: The First Generation Diesels
     Key Models

EMD F7

ALCO-PA

Baldwin RF-16

How to Recognize Them:

• Streamlined “bulldog” noses (rounded fronts, especially on EMD units)
• Covered bodies (no visible walkways along the sides)
• Often painted in bold, colorful liveries for passenger service
• Headlights embedded in the nose rather than above the cab

👉 These locomotives were designed with aesthetics in mind—railroads wanted them to look futuristic, signaling a clean break from steam.

 ⚙️ 1960s–1970s: The Rise of the Road Switcher:
       Key Models

EMD GP9

EMD GP38 (high/low nose)

ALCO RS-3

• EMD GP9
• EMD GP38
• ALCO RS-3

• Boxy “hood unit” design instead of streamlined bodies
• Walkways along both sides
• Cab positioned toward one end (not centered)
• Easier visibility for switching and yard work

👉 These became the workhorses of North American railroads—practical, versatile, and far more functional than earlier designs.

🚛 1980s–1990s: High Horsepower Era
     Key Models:

EMD SD40-2

GE Dash-8

Differences: EMD vs.

GE

• EMD SD40-2
• GE Dash 8

• Longer bodies with 6 axles (three per truck)
• Radiator “wings” or flares at the rear
• Louder, more powerful engines
• Introduction of wide-nose “safety cabs” for crew protection

👉 Think of this era as the “muscle cars” of diesel locomotives—built for hauling massive freight across continents.

🚄 2000s–Present: Modern Efficiency & Emissions           Key Models

GE ES44AC

EMD SD70ACe

• GE ES44AC
• EMD SD70ACe

• Angular, bulky bodies with large radiators
• Advanced exhaust systems (for emissions compliance)
• Wide cabs are now standard
• Often equipped with computer-controlled traction systems

👉 These locomotives reflect a new balance: power + environmental responsibility.

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 🔢 The “5-Factor” Spotting System 

To make identification easier, here’s a simple 5-point checklist (fittingly aligned with the theme of transformation and structure):

1. Nose Shape – Rounded (older) vs. boxy (modern)
2. Body Style – Streamlined vs. hood unit
3. Axles – 4 (lighter duty) vs. 6 (heavy freight)
4. Cab Design – Narrow vs. wide safety cab
5. Radiator Size – Small (early) vs. large/flared (modern)

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🚦 Final Thoughts

From the sleek elegance of the 1950s to today’s powerful, computer-driven machines, diesel locomotives tell a story of continuous evolution. Much like the number 5, which often represents adaptability and motion, these engines embody progress on rails—constantly shifting to meet the demands of their time.

Train Show Fun!!

Trip to the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show

By Fred Humphrey, President

Bob Cook, John Cryderman, Fred Humphrey and Mark Nieting, members of the Tidewater Division Mid-Eastern Region, made the trip to Amherst Railway Society’s Annual Amherst Railroad Hobby Show on the 24th & 25th of January 2026.  We met at Mark’s house early in the morning on Thursday, 22 Jan 26 to reduce the number of cars driven to the Amtrak station. We got in Mark’s car after loading our luggage and proceeded to end of track for the Hampton Roads Transit light rail called “The Tide.” We boarded “The Tide” and traveled down to the light rail station next to Amtrak station in Norfolk, VA. The walk between the light rail station and Amtrak station was brief along the construction site for a new casino, but it was cold and windy enough to see your breath that morning.

When Amtrak train 95 arrived at the station we were on the passenger flatform with our phone recording the arrival of engine 166 with nine passenger cars. We reserved seats in business class up to New Haven where we changed trains to Amtrak 495 locomotive 395 with two passenger coach cars. It was nice ride giving us time to identify specific locations along the way and taking lots of photographs out the side window or from the rear door window. The conductor was immensely helpful in permitting us to clean the rear door window in Washington, DC.

After arriving in Springfield, MA train station, we had a little wait for our Uber driver to take us to Enterprise rental car office. Their office was across the street from the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show and once checked in got on the road for our Airbnb. On the way stopped at Popeye’s for chicken take out. After arriving at the Airbnb house, we got settled into three bedrooms on the main floor and one bedroom in the basement. As we sat around eating our chicken the conversation centered on the widespread storm that was coming our way and had been in the news when we left Virginia. Snow was already on the ground in Springfield, and more snow was expected the next day.

First order of business was to decide where to railfan on Friday 23rd Jan 2026. We elected to see what Springfield railfanning would offer. Got our handy dandy local phone map out and started exploring. We located a rail yard to watch switching operations and took lots of photographs. After driving around in Springfield area, we decided to travel over to Palmer, MA to a place called Steaming Tender Restaurant. Once in Palmer, we notice a pair of locomotives setting on a spur track. We drove into the small parking lot and was greeted by an individual coming from a pair of trailers wanting to know what we were doing. After some discussion he gave us permission to walk around but stay in the parking lot and not cross any tracks. We agreed and began examining a pair of locomotives we saw from the road.

We noticed another three engines tried to a string of cars near the north end of the yard. Mark and John were taking pictures of the engines in the yard while Bob and Fred examined the locomotives pictured on the left and right. We think the locomotive in the left photo is a modified GP9 while the picture on the right is a modified NW5, one of only 13 built with an RS cab. This one for Southern Railway and it’s the only one in running condition in the US.

On Friday afternoon we headed back to the Airbnb and then went out for dinner. Once back at the Airbnb, we talked about the snowstorm coming our way and should we change our return Amtrak tickets to Norfolk, VA. After some discussion and several phone calls to Amtrak reservation on our options prior to Amtrak canceling trains heading south. Our first call requesting reservation change was going to charge us a fee for changing our reservation. We told the reservation desk we would think about it and not change our reservation at this time. We waited a few minutes and made another call to the Amtrak reservation desk requesting Monday return tickets be changed to Tuesday.  We were told a fee would apply to change our tickets and again indicated we would think about it but not change our tickets at this time. Made one more call to the Amtrak reservation deck and was able to change our ticket on Tuesday without additional charges.

The next morning, 24 Jan 26 it had snowed all night, and the snow was coming down heavy as we headed out for our first day at the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show. The line for $5 parking was three wide going through the gate and reduced to one lane following the parking attendant’s directions to our parking space. After a long walk from the parking lot to the Mallary Complex, it was our first building to tour. Everyone head off in different directions to explore what treasuries await us to fine. This is the largest model railroad train show we have ever been to.

Amherst Convention Map

 The Amherst Railway Society present the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show with 386 exhibitors located in four buildings as noted in the floor plan shown on the left. As I walked around the show, my first thought was the train show was so larger. Will I be able to see it all in two days. I have to say the number of organizations showing a model train layout was very impressive. Each major scale was on display. The HO and G scale layouts were very large compared to the other layout there. I personally toured Mallary Complex first followed by half of the Young’s building on the first day there. However, as the day wore on, several exhibitors were placing signs on their tables indicating they would be leaving the show on Saturday evening. We left the show at closing, and the snow was getting heavier and sticking to the ground due to the very cold temperature. As we headed back to our Airbnb the roads caused us to travel slow. Due to snow on the streets, it made it difficult to get up the hilly road, but we made it safely to our Airbnb.

As we fixed supper, the snow stopped and noticed five pickup trucks with plows kept coming by the house going in one direction and then in another cleaning the streets of snow. With each pass by the house, they would push more snow into our driveway. The next morning 25 Jan 2026, the snow had reached 17 inches, and more snow was predicted the following afternoon or later that evening for another 2 to 3 inches. You can see the snow was deep by the photograph to the right. The four of us got out there to remove snow so we could get the second day of the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show. We used blooms and dust pans to remove snow, but a kind lady across the street brought over two snow shovels which made the job easier. Once we were able to get out of the driveway, we went back to the show for another day to look for treasures.

Winter Wonderland vs. Weather Nightmare!

Looks like you need a snow plow and backhoe!

On Sunday, we drove to the Amherst Hobby Train Show, this time only a single line of cars were passing through the gate and was able to park closer to exhibitors’ buildings. Once inside, it was almost a ghost town.  So many exhibitors had left because of the snow the night before. We were still able to locate a bargain or two, but the time there was cut short too due to lack of exhibitors. The locals told us that the last time it snowed like this was in 2019. When walking thought the show, I saw several exhibitors selling 3D printing items for sale. Not one, but four exhibitors offering small items to medium-sized objects. One exhibitor did 3D printing so you could build a piece of machinery or a small building. One exhibitor offer 3D printed items in gray only while another offer items several different colors. Like any train show, you had to explore to locate a deal. I located one deal for 10 pieces of new brass straight track in original box for $5. The brass track will support a challenge switching module at the Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads to move five cars from one location to another location using a switcher to push or pull cars as required.

I visited every model railroad layout and talked with personnel about their layout details. 

Detailed HO steel facility

One of the HO scale layouts had a complete steel facility and was very detailed (very impressive shown on the left). Many of the major manufacturers were represented and examined their latest proto-type models. Many model railroad shops (estimated 17) were in attendance offering some good deals, we just had to look for them. I was looking for Digitrax BDL168 and SE8C to complete my layout for detection and signaling. I wanted to use the same boards through my layout and not have mix of different versions or replace existing boards with the latest version available. However, it didn’t matter because none were available.

We found these two cars for sale and thought they were very unique. The car in the right picture is a nuclear material transport car while the one in the left photo is a caboose to house special agents and train crew during nuclear material movement.

We were also looking for an Athearn yellow box tank car and the first exhibitor had several yellow boxes mixed in with blue boxes. After half an hour, I found one E. I. Dupont chemical tank car that would do nicely. As I continued working through the many exhibitors in the Mallary Building, I was overwhelmed by the available selections. The tool exhibitor offered a wide variety of tools, and I found piano pliers there.

Wabash Steam Locomotive, 0-8-0

As one exhibitor was packing up, I saw a Wabash steam 0-8-0 locomotive in a shipping box with an opening in the lid top center section and began to discuss price with the exhibitor, who must have been in a hurry to offer me a very good price that I couldn’t turn down. The same exhibitor had several Wabash rules of the road pocket size books which he gave me a good deal and in my backpack they went.

With so few exhibitors left, the Amherst Hobby Train Show was coming to an early end due to the weather. After walking around the show and checking out each building one last time. I have to say, even though the train show had exhibitors leaving early due to the snow, I believe the show was still a success. It had a lot to offer to any modeler, you just had to look for it due to the size of the show. We all met at the exit and it’s time to head back to the Airbnb and plan our return trip home.

Amtrak had cancelled trains on Sunday due to the snow, but our train was still on schedule. Monday morning our train from Springfield, MA to New Haven, CT had been cancelled. We discussed what we should do and to decide required more information about what Amtrak options are available. We called Amtrak reservation desk again with only two options available. One option was taking a later train from Springfield, MA and transferring to another train in New Haven, CT that would take us to Newport News, VA. This meant taking the Amtrak bus from Newport News to Norfolk, VA and hope the “The Tide” light rail would still be running. Our other option was to drive to New Haven, CT and catch our train to Norfolk, VA. The interstate was clear and we had enough time to drive to New Haven, CT to get back on schedule. That’s what we did. Upon arriving at union station in New Haven, Bob and I gathered up all the luggage while Mark and John returned the rental car. Mark and John dropped the rental car off with no problems and made it back to union station in enough time to spare. Mark called the rental car office to let them know he had dropped off a car in the parking lot. They found the car in the lot and located the key inside the car. Mark requested his rental lease be closed and noted that no drop- off fee would apply. But the agent indicated that the gate is normally closed because this office doesn’t have a drop off key box. Because of the snow and freezing temperatures caused the gate to freeze in the open position, Mark was able to park the rental car in the parking lot.

Our Amtrak train 95 was running 15 minutes late with scheduled arrival at 8:58 AM on track 1 along with another Amtrak Acela train which was running 50 minutes late with a scheduled arrival time of 8:59 on track 1. Our discussion centered on how two trains arriving at almost the same time on the same track would fit. We decided to move to the platform to board our train as soon as possible in business class, which was directly behind the engine. We boarded the train to locate our reserved seats 1A, 1C, 13D and 13F in business class. It all worked out with both trains arriving and departing on schedule.  Our trip back to Norfolk, VA was uneventful, enjoying the ride and taking in the view from the window. As we purchased our “The Tide” tickets, the light rail pulled into the station and didn’t wait for us to finish getting out tickets. The next train arrived within 10 minutes and away we went. We made it to Mark’s house, retrieved our luggage and got in our vehicles to head home.

What a trip, full of excitement, drama and suspense! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Tell Us about Your Train Show Experience

Videos of the Month

Thanks for reading this issue of Making Tracks. Don't forget to come into the museum while you still can. Stay tuned to the website and to the monthly newsletter to stay informed and find out where our next hangout will be.

Now Partnering with BYMRR Train Store:

BYMRR/Museum Store

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Recent Articles

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1. Museum Store

   Apr 12, 26 01:15 PM

   
   Our Museum has a store, or gift shop as a convenience for our visitors who may wish to purchase a souvenir, a gift or a model train set while visiting.

   Read More

2. Local Railroad Destinations and Events

   Apr 12, 26 09:13 AM

   This page contains a listing of local railroad and model railroad destinations and events that may be of interest.

   Read More

3. Stories from Our Readers

   Apr 12, 26 09:05 AM

   Model Railroad Stories from our readers.

   Read More

The Birth of Virginia Beach

We have created and published a new historical document on the Birth of Virginia Beach. This has been written by our historian Warren Leister after researching the era and the people involved for several years. Excepts have been published here in our newsletter previously, but the information is now available all together in a 99 page document that you can purchase in our store. It factually explores the events, the dedicated people and the interesting culture in which they lived. Pick up your copy today!

The Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads is a fantastic community center based on running, operating and even building your own model railroads! There's something for every age here.

Learn about the real history of this area and how important it was in the building of America. Watch how railroads were built, the people involved, where America's roots were formed. 

As they build their own railroads, students will be learning about science, electronics,  architecture, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the art of 3 dimensional model landscaping. They can earn rewards for completing projects and winning contests.

Try to solve yardmaster problems on a switching layout like getting the lumber from the forest to the furniture store, by way of the saw mill and the lumber yard.

Run your train around blockades and other trains to get to the station on time without speeding or crashing.

Play railroad monopoly using model railroads. Winner is the one who can collect the most cars into his yard within an hour.

There will be programs for autistic and special needs kids, disabled adults and veterans.

School tours. Holiday Shows. Library and video rooms.  Even youngsters will have their own wooden models to enjoy. There are classes and hands-on clinics for adults. Learn how to get started in the hobby. Or just enjoy the fun.

Everybody loves trains and this will prove it!  Just click on the either the blue DONATE button below to make it happen... 

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Why Attend Train Shows? The Hidden Value Behind the Hobby

Train shows might seem, at first glance, like simple gatherings of enthusiasts—but in reality, they are dynamic spaces where knowledge, community, and discovery intersect. Much like the number 5, symbolizing curiosity and exploration, train shows offer multiple dimensions of value that go far beyond just looking at model railroads.

Let’s break down the advantages.

1. See Rare Models and Layouts Up Close

Train shows often feature:

• Massive, highly detailed layouts you won’t see anywhere else
• Rare or discontinued locomotives and rolling stock
• Custom-built scenery and miniature worlds

👉 Photos online don’t compare to seeing the craftsmanship in person—the scale, motion, and detail come alive.🤝 2. Connect with a Community

One of the biggest advantages is the people.

At train shows, you can:

• Meet experienced hobbyists and learn directly from them
• Join clubs and local groups
• Share ideas, tips, and stories

👉 For many, this sense of community is the core reason they keep coming back.

💰 3. Find Deals and Hard-to-Get Items

Vendors at train shows often sell:

• Discounted new items
• Used or vintage pieces
• Parts for repairs or kitbashing

👉 You can often find items that are impossible to locate online—or at much better prices.🧠 4. Learn New Skills

Train shows are educational hubs:

• Clinics and demonstrations (weathering, wiring, scenery building)
• Advice on layouts, electronics, and maintenance
• Exposure to different scales and techniques

👉 Whether you're a beginner or advanced modeler, there’s always something new to learn.

🚸 5. Fun for All Ages

Train shows are surprisingly family-friendly:

• Interactive displays for kids
• Simple joy of watching trains run
• A gateway into STEM interests

👉 They blend nostalgia for adults with excitement for younger generations.

🔢 The “5 Benefits” Framework 

In true symbolic fashion, train shows align neatly with five core advantages:

1. Visual Inspiration – See what’s possible
2. Social Connection – Meet like-minded people
3. Economic Value – Find deals and rare items
4. Skill Building – Learn by observing and asking
5. Entertainment – Enjoy a unique, immersive experience

Conclusion

Train shows are more than events—they’re living ecosystems of the rail hobby, where creativity, engineering, and community all converge. Like the number 5, they represent movement, interaction, and discovery.

If you’ve never attended one, it might just transform how you experience trains—from something you watch… to something you truly engage with.