Boy Scout Merit Badge Class

a. Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient
    than mixed freight trains.
b. Explain the terms dynamic braking and radial steering trucks.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO EARN THE BOY SCOUT RAILROADING MERIT BADGE

Note: Items in red are fulfilled by attending the merit badge class.

Items in green must be completed before or after the class

1. Do THREE of the following:

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 engine develops power.

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.

b. List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail

3. Do ONE the following:

a. Name four departments of a railroad company. Describe what each does.
or
b. Tell about the opportunities in railroading that interest you most and why

4.

 Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission

5. Do each of the following:

1. What an automobile driver can do to safely operate a car at grade crossings and list 3 things a
    driver should never do at a grade crossing

2. How does one report a malfunction of grade crossing warning devices?
3. 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

1. Explain how railroad signals operate and show two basic signal types using color or configuration
2. Explain the meaning of three horn signals
3. Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop
4. Explain the use and function of the EOTD or FRED used on the last car of most trains

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

1. Model railroading
1. Build one model railroad car kit or locomotive kit
2. Name the scale for four model railroad gauges
2. Railfanning
1. Visit a railroad museum

OTHER POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THE SCOUTS CAN PARTICIPATE TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE:
    1. Field trip to a local yard to observe switching operations.
    2. Field trip to Engleside or Settegast hump yard to watch the sorting of rail cars. Perhaps get
        the scouts into the control tower.

3. Field trip to a refinery to observation unloading of tank cars
    4. Visit a location where a signal light is located. Watch the lights change as trains approach, and pass, the signal

4. Work on restoration of a car at a railroad museum

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS AVAILABLE
Scouts working toward their Eagle rank have several projects that can be done to benefit the Museum.
    Restore one or more (we have 3) baggage cars
    Create figures to sit in the cab of an engine
    Restore the Museum's 2 hand cars
    Clean and paint a rail car
    or the Scout can investigate the Museum and decide on some other project.

123 Rosenberg, Galveston, TX 77550

e-mail: galvrrmuseum@sbcglobal.net

Office: 409.765.5700 Fax: 409.765.5744

Galveston Railroad
Museum