American Railroad Trivia Quiz

1. Standard Gauge in the US is?

5 feet

3 feet 7 inches

4 feet 8 1/2 inches

4 feet 6 inches

The standard gauge in the US is 4 feet 8 1/2 inches. This measurement refers to the distance between the inner edges of the two rails on a railroad track. It is the most common gauge used in the US and is based on historical reasons. The 4 feet 8 1/2 inches gauge was originally used in England and was brought to the US by British engineers who constructed the early railroads. This gauge became standardized and is still widely used today.

Explanation

The standard gauge in the US is 4 feet 8 1/2 inches. This measurement refers to the distance between the inner edges of the two rails on a railroad track. It is the most common gauge used in the US and is based on historical reasons. The 4 feet 8 1/2 inches gauge was originally used in England and was brought to the US by British engineers who constructed the early railroads. This gauge became standardized and is still widely used today.

2. Which of the following is a 6 axle locomotive?

EMD SW1500

EMD GP9

GE U25B

EMD SD40-2

The EMD SD40-2 is a 6 axle locomotive. The other options listed are not 6 axle locomotives.

Explanation

The EMD SD40-2 is a 6 axle locomotive. The other options listed are not 6 axle locomotives.

3. Which of the following steam engines were common on the Louisville and Nashville?

2-2-2's and 4-8-8-4's

0-8-0's and 2-6-8's

2-8-2's and 4-6-2's

2-0-2's and 4-10-6's

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

4. What other railroad purchased the L&N and owned and operated it for many years?

Atlantic Coast Line

Pennsylvania RR

Reading RR

Short Line RR

The correct answer is Atlantic Coast Line. The Atlantic Coast Line railroad purchased the L&N (Louisville and Nashville) and owned and operated it for many years.

Explanation

The correct answer is Atlantic Coast Line. The Atlantic Coast Line railroad purchased the L&N (Louisville and Nashville) and owned and operated it for many years.

5. What is true of both the Norfolk & Western RR and the Southern Rwy?

They both were western mountain railroads

They both used high nose hood diesels

They both still run passenger trains

They both merged to become the present CSX RR

Both the Norfolk & Western RR and the Southern Rwy used high nose hood diesels. This means that both railroads employed locomotives with a design where the cab is located at the front of the locomotive and the hood covering the engine is higher than the cab. This design was common in the mid-20th century and allowed for better visibility for the engineers.

Explanation

Both the Norfolk & Western RR and the Southern Rwy used high nose hood diesels. This means that both railroads employed locomotives with a design where the cab is located at the front of the locomotive and the hood covering the engine is higher than the cab. This design was common in the mid-20th century and allowed for better visibility for the engineers.

6. The Southern Railway was organized by which financier?

John D. Rockefeller

Andrew Carnegie

Cornelius Vanderbilt

John P. Morgan

John P. Morgan is the correct answer because he was a prominent American financier who played a significant role in organizing the Southern Railway. Morgan was known for his involvement in the railroad industry and was instrumental in consolidating various railway companies, including the Southern Railway, into larger and more efficient systems. His financial expertise and influence allowed him to shape the development of the railway industry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Explanation

John P. Morgan is the correct answer because he was a prominent American financier who played a significant role in organizing the Southern Railway. Morgan was known for his involvement in the railroad industry and was instrumental in consolidating various railway companies, including the Southern Railway, into larger and more efficient systems. His financial expertise and influence allowed him to shape the development of the railway industry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

7. What do US railroads haul the most of?

Coal

Containerized merchandise

Automobiles

Chemical products

US railroads haul the most coal. This is because coal is a major source of energy in the United States and is used for electricity generation and industrial purposes. Rail transportation is an efficient and cost-effective method for transporting large quantities of coal across long distances.

Explanation

US railroads haul the most coal. This is because coal is a major source of energy in the United States and is used for electricity generation and industrial purposes. Rail transportation is an efficient and cost-effective method for transporting large quantities of coal across long distances.

8. Which of the following diesel locomotives was built only from 1961 to 1963?

GE U25B

EMD GP30

DASH 8-40C

Alco RS-11

The correct answer is EMD GP30. The EMD GP30 was a diesel locomotive that was only built from 1961 to 1963. This means that it was in production for a relatively short period of time compared to the other options listed.

Explanation

The correct answer is EMD GP30. The EMD GP30 was a diesel locomotive that was only built from 1961 to 1963. This means that it was in production for a relatively short period of time compared to the other options listed.

9. LO is the American Association of Railroads class code for what type car?

Covered hopper

Caboose

Box car

Gondola

The correct answer is covered hopper. The American Association of Railroads class code "LO" refers to a covered hopper car. A covered hopper car is a type of railcar that is used for transporting bulk commodities such as grain, cement, and chemicals. It is designed with a roof and hatches to protect the cargo from the elements.

Explanation

The correct answer is covered hopper. The American Association of Railroads class code "LO" refers to a covered hopper car. A covered hopper car is a type of railcar that is used for transporting bulk commodities such as grain, cement, and chemicals. It is designed with a roof and hatches to protect the cargo from the elements.

10. What type of trucks would a 1970's caboose most likely ride on?

Andrews

Arch Bar

Barber Bettendorf

Roller Bearing

A caboose is a type of railroad car that is typically attached to the end of a train. During the 1970s, the most likely type of trucks that a caboose would ride on is the Barber Bettendorf. Barber Bettendorf trucks were commonly used during that time period and were known for their durability and smooth ride. They provided stability and support to the caboose, allowing it to travel safely and efficiently on the railroad tracks.

Explanation

A caboose is a type of railroad car that is typically attached to the end of a train. During the 1970s, the most likely type of trucks that a caboose would ride on is the Barber Bettendorf. Barber Bettendorf trucks were commonly used during that time period and were known for their durability and smooth ride. They provided stability and support to the caboose, allowing it to travel safely and efficiently on the railroad tracks.