Railroading and Boy Scouts - Trains Magazine

Member since
January 2010
5 posts

Posted by IEP-NYC-PRR on Thursday, March 4, 2010 5:37 PM

Hi I hope that this helps. I'm looking into doing thinks with my den as well and found the following information. If you contact railroad museums they often have programs that also help earn them their badge

Steven

RailroadingFrom MeritBadgeDotOrgJump to: navigation, searchRailroading Merit Badge requirement resources include the Merit Badge Worksheet ,
lesson video links, and cross-references to related Merit Badges and Boy Scout Awards.
Railroading includes options to design and work with model railroads. ◄ Prev - Next ►

Railroading Merit Badge
Field of study:	Transportation
Status:	Elective	BSA Advancement ID:
Created:	1952	Requirements Revision:	2005
Discontinued:	N/A	Pamphlet Revision:	2008

Railroading Requirements

1. Do THREE of the following: a. Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains. b. Name one Class I or regional railroad. Explain what major cities it serves, the locations of major terminals, service facilities, and crew change points, and the major commodities it carries. c. Using models or pictures, identify 10 types of railroad freight or passenger cars. Explain the purpose of each type of car. d. Explain how a modern diesel or electric locomotive develops power. Explain the terms dynamic braking and radial steering trucks. 2. Do the following: a. Explain the purpose and formation of Amtrak. Explain, by the use of a timetable, a plan for making a trip by rail between two cities at least 500 miles apart. List the times of departure and arrival at your destination, the train number, and the type of service you want. b. List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail as the fixed guide path. 3. Do ONE of the following: a. Name four departments of a railroad company. Describe what each department does. b. Tell about the opportunities in railroading that interest you most and why. c. Name four rail support industries, Describe the function of each one. d. With your parent's and counselor's approval, interview someone employed in the rail industry. Learn what that person does and how this person became interested in railroading. Find out what type of schooling and training are required for this position. 4. Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission. 5. Do THREE of the following: a. List five safety precautions that help make trains safer for workers and passengers. b. Explain to your merit badge counselor why railroad rights-of-way are important for safety. c. List 10 safety tips to remember when you are near a railroad track (either on the ground or on a station platform) or aboard a train. d. Tell your counselor about the guidelines for conduct that should be followed when you are near or on railroad property. Explain the dangers of trespassing on railroad property. e. Tell what an automobile driver can do to safely operate a car at grade crossings, and list three things an automobile driver should never do at a grade crossing. f. Tell how to report a malfunction of grade crossing warning devices. g. List safety precautions a pedestrian should follow at a public crossing. 6. Explain the appearance and meaning of the following warning signs and devices: advance warning sign, pavement markings, crossbucks, flashing red lights, crossing gates. 7. Do EACH of the following: a. Explain how railroad signals operate and show two basic signal types using color and configuration. b. Explain the meaning of three whistle signals. c. Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop. d. Explain the use and function of the EOTD (end-of-train device) or FRED (Flashing rear end device) used on the last car of most trains. 8. Select ONE of the following special-interest areas and complete the requirements: a. Model Railroading With your parent's and counselor's approval, do TWO of the following: 1. Draw a layout of your own model railroad; or one that could be built in your home. Design a point-to-point track or loop with different routings. Include one of the following: turnaround or terminal or yard or siding. 2. Build one model railroad car kit or one locomotive kit. 3. Name the scale of four popular model railroad gauges. Identify the scale of four model cars or locomotives. 4. Locate the Web site of four model railroad - related manufacturers or magazine publishers. Print information on their products and services and discuss the information with your counselor. 5. Build one railroad structure (from scratch or using a kit), paint and weather the structure, mount it on your layout or diorama, and make the surrounding area on a diorama scenic. 6. Alone or with others, build a model railroad or modular layout, including ballast and scenery. Make electrical connections and operate a train. Describe what you enjoyed most. 7. Participate in a switching contest on a timesaver layout and record your time. b. Railfanning With your parent's and counselor's approval, do TWO of the following: 1. Visit a railroad museum, historical display, or a prototype railroad-sponsored public event. With permission, photograph, videotape, or sketch items of interest. Explain what you saw and describe your photos, sketches, or videotape. 2. Purchase tickets and ride a scenic or historic railroad. Under supervision, photograph the equipment and discuss with your counselor the historic significance of the operation. 3. Locate the Web site of four rail historical groups, then find information on the history of the rail preservation operations and purpose of each group. Talk with a member of one of the groups and find out how you might help. 4. Plan a trip by rail between two points. Obtain a schedule and explain when the train should arrive at two intermediate points. Purchase the tickets and make the trip. Explain to your counselor what you saw.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
Boy Scout Requirements, 2009 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216)

The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an Administrator.
Please make a note of any errors in the requirements on this article's Talk Page

Notes

1. Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org. 2. "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

Requirement resources

1a: Freight Trains from RailsWest

1b: Class 1 Railroad Directory

1c: Union Pacific Car types

2: Amtrak

3c: Support Activities for Transportation From the US Census Dept

4: Operation Lifesaver

5: Safety for Railfans

6: Know Your Railroad Signs Part of Operation Lifesaver

7d: APR Cabooses Scroll to the bottom of the page.

8b: Railfan.net

8b4: Amtrak Schools on Trains: Cascades

8b4: Amtrak Schools on Trains: Hiawatha

Related awards

Hobby Awards

Boy Scout Merit Badges: Art - Coin Collecting - Collections - Computers - Dog Care - Fishing - Gardening - Genealogy - Golf - Horsemanship - Pets - Photography - Radio - Railroading - Reading - Stamp Collecting

Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Art - Chess - Collecting - Computers Webelos Activity Badge: Artist - Traveler

Venturing: Arts and Hobbies Ranger Award: Cave Exploration - Cycling - Equestrian - Fishing

External links

Retrieved from ""Categories: Workbooks and Forms | Transportation | Merit Badges | Boy Scout requirements Railroading

Merit Badge Workbook

This workbook can help you but you still need to read the merit badge pamphlet (book). No one can add or subtract from the Boy

Scout Requirements #33215. Merit Badge Workbooks and much more are below: Online Resources.

Workbook developer:

. Requirements revised: 2005, Workbook updated: April 2008.

Scout’s Name:

____________________________________________ Unit: ____________________________

Counselor’s Name:

_________________________________________ Counselor’s Ph #: _____________________________
1. Do THREE of the following:

a. Name three types of modern freight trains.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains. __________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Name one class I or regional railroad. _____________________________________________________________________

Explain what major cities it serves, __________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

the locations of major terminals, service facilities and crew change points, ___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

and the major commodities it carries. ________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Using models or pictures, identify 10 types of railroad freight or passenger cars. Explain the purpose of each type of car.
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Railroading p. 2 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________

d. Explain how a modern diesel or electric locomotive develops power. _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain the terms dynamic braking __________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

and radial steering trucks. _________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Do the following:

a. Explain the purpose ___________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

and formation of Amtrak. __________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain, by the use of a timetable, a plan for making a trip by rail between two cities at least 500 miles apart. List the times of

departure and arrival at your destination, the train number and name, and the type of service you want.

Depart Location Time Arrival Location Time Train# Service

_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________
_________________________ _________ ______________________ ________ _______ __________________________

b. List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail as the fixed-guide path. _____________________________

Department Describe what each department does.

_________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

-OR-  b. Tell about the opportunities in railroading that interest you most and why.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Railroading p. 3 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

-OR-  c. Name four rail support industries. Describe the function of each one.

Rail Support Industry Describe the function of each one.

__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

-OR-  d. With your parent's and counselor's approval, interview someone employed in the rail industry. Learn what that person

does _________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

and how this person became interested in railroading. ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Find out what type of schooling and training are required for this position. ____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission. _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Do THREE of the following:
 a. List five safety precautions that help make trains safer for workers and passengers.

_______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________

 b. Explain to your merit badge counselor why railroad rights-of-way are important for safety. __________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 c. List 10 safety tips to remember when you are near a railroad track (either on the ground or on a station platform) or aboard a

train.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Railroading p. 4 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 d. Tell your counselor about the guidelines for conduct that should be followed when you are near or on railroad property.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain the dangers of trespassing on railroad property. __________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 e. Tell what an automobile driver can do to safely operate a car at grade crossings, _________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

and list three things an automobile driver should never do at a grade crossing.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 f. Tell how to report a malfunction of grade crossing warning devices. _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 g. List safety precautions a pedestrian should follow at a public crossing. __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Explain the appearance and meaning of the following warning signs and devices:

advance warning sign, ___________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

pavement markings, _____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

crossbucks, ____________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

flashing red lights, _______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

crossing gates. _________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Railroading p. 5 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________

7. Do EACH of the following:
a. Explain how railroad signals operate and show two basic signal types using color or configuration. ______________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Explain the meaning of three whistle signals.

__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

c. Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop. ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. Explain the use and function of the EOTD (end-of-train device) or FRED (flashing rear end device) used on the last car of most

trains. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Select ONE of the following special-interest areas and complete the requirements.

a. Model Railroading - With your parent's and counselor's approval, do TWO of the following:

 1. Draw a layout of your own model railroad or one that could be built in your home. Design a point-to-point track or loop with

different routings. Include one of the following: turnaround or terminal or yard or siding.



2. Build one model railroad car kit or one locomotive kit. 3. Name the scale of four popular model railroad gauges. Identify the scale of four model cars or locomotives. Show the

correct way to clean and oil model train equipment.

Railroading p. 6 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________

Gauge Name Scale Track Gauge Gauge Name Scale Track Gauge

_______ ______________ _______ _________________ 3 ________ _______________ __________ ______________

_______ ______________ _______ _________________ 4 ________ _______________ __________ ______________ 4. Locate the Web site of four model railroad-related manufacturers or magazine publishers. Print information on their

products and services and discuss the information with your counselor.

 5. Build one railroad structure (from scratch or using a kit), paint and weather the structure, mount it on your layout or diorama,

and make the surrounding area on the diorama scenic.

 6. Alone or with others, build a model railroad or modular layout including ballast and scenery. Make electrical connections

and operate a train. Describe what you enjoyed most.



7. Participate in a switching contest on a timesaver layout and record your time.
b. Railfanning - With your parent's and counselor's approval, do TWO of the following:
 1. Visit a railroad museum, historical display, or a prototype railroad-sponsored public event. With permission, photograph,

videotape, or sketch items of interest. Explain what you saw and describe your photos, sketches, or videotape.

 2. Purchase tickets and ride a scenic or historic railroad. Under supervision, photograph the equipment and discuss with your

counselor the historic significance of the operation.

 3. Locate the Web site of four rail historical groups, then find information on the history of the rail preservation operations and

purpose of each group. Talk with a member of one of the groups and find out how you might help.

 4. Plan a trip by rail between two points. Obtain a schedule and explain when the train should arrive at two intermediate points.

Purchase the tickets and make the trip. Explain to your counselor what you saw.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Online Resources
(Use any Internet resource with caution and only with your parent’s or guardian’s permission.)Boy Scouts of America:
►scouting.org ►Guide to Safe Scouting ►Age-Appropriate Guidelines ►Safe Swim Defense
►
Scout ►Tenderfoot ►Second Class ►First Class  Rank Videos ►Safety AfloatBoy Scout Merit Badge Workbooks: usscouts.org -or- meritbadge.org Merit Badge Books:

ExpertVillage First Aid Videos

Make a First Aid Kit Basics Basics2 CPR Basics Venomous Snake Bite

Video Lessons:

Making a Model Train Layout How to Make Model Train Villages

Railroading and Boy Scouts - Trains Magazine

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