Railroading
Resources
- Railroading Class Preparation Page
- Railroading Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Railroading Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
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 name, and the types of service you
want.
b.
List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail.
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 or guardian'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.
Do the following:
a.
Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission.
b.
List 9 track basic safety tips to remember when you are around a
railroad track.
c.
List 9 safety considerations that should be followed when walking near
a railroad track.
d.
Tell your counselor what a driver can do to safely operate near tracks.
e.
Explain safety precautions when using a light rail or commuter train.
5.
Explain the appearance and meaning of the following rail signs and signals:
a.
Passive signs and active signs.
b.
Devices at the crossing (flashing red lights - with or without bells,
flashing red lights and gates, and cantilever flashing lights).
c.
Markings on the road (pavement markings and stop bars).
d.
Signs before the crossing (advance warning sign, advance warning sign
for side streets, no train horn sign, and low ground clearance grade
crossing sign).
e.
Signs along the railroad property (no trespassing sign).
f.
Signs at the crossing (crossbuck sign, emergency notification system
sign, multiple track sign, stop sign, and yield sign).
6.
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 horn 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.
7.
Do ONE of the following special-interest options:
a.
Option A: Model Railroading
With your parent or guardian'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.
8.
Explain the difference between powering and controlling a model
railroad by using direct current, and powering and controlling a
model railroad using digital command control.
b.
Option B: Railfanning
With your parent or guardian'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,
digitally record, or sketch items of interest. Explain what you saw
and describe your photos, sketches, or video.
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.
