Boy Scouts of America Railroad Merit Badge Requirements

These are the latest requirements out of the 1992 merit badge pamphlet for the
Railroading Merit Badge.  I have turned in the paper work to become a merit
badge counselor for the Kansas City area, but others could benefit from knowing
the requirements.  Some of this stuff I didn't know till I read the pamphlet,
like, how do you signal a train to stop for an emergency?

If you need any other information, please feel free to ask and I shall respond.

To earn the Boy Scouts of America Railroading Merit Badge, the following
requirements must be met:

1.  Do TWO of the following:
    a.    Name the scale and track gauge for four model railroad gauges. 
          Show the correct way to clean and lubricate model train equipment.

    b.    Draw to scale the layout of your own model railroad or one that
          could be built in your home.   Have point-to-point or loop with
          different routings.  Include a turnaround, a terminal, or a yard
          and a siding.

    c.    Alone or with others, build a model railroad layout to include
          ballast and scenery.  Make connections from the power supply
          to the track and accessories, if any.

    d.    Build a scale model of a locomotive (with or without power) or
          make two cars. (Kits with extra detail may be used.)

    e.    Draw scale plans and build two accessories.

2.  Do the following:
    a.    Explain how real electric and diesel locomotives develop power.

    b.    Identify by model or picture six different kinds of railroad cars.

    c.    Show two basic signals used either by color or configuration. 
          Explain the meaning of five whistle signals.  Describe an
          emergency way to signal a train to stop.

3.  Do one of the following:
    a.    Name four departments of a railroad company.  Tell which job
          interests you the most.  Tell why.

    b.    Name and explain ten jobs in railroading.  Tell which job
          interests you most.  Tell Why.

4.  Explain six rules of safety to use aboard trains; on platforms;  at
    crossings; and around bridges, yards, and tunnels.  Explain the
    use and function of the "EOTD" or "FRED" now  used in place
    of cabooses.

5.  Explain the use of a timetable by making a written plan for a trip
    by rail between two cities at least 500 miles apart.  List the times
    of departure and of arrival at your destination, the number of the
    train, and the service you want.

6.  Do ONE of the following:
    a.    Visit a railroad museum or an operating model railroad and
          explain what you saw.

    b.    View a video showing the operation of a railroad, such as "This
          Is My Railroad" or  "Association of American Railroads" by
          Pentrex.

    c.    Plan and take a rail trip of a least 25 miles.  Buy your own
          ticket.  Read the timetables and footnotes correctly.

7.  Name three types of modern freight trains and explain why they
    are more efficient than mixed freights.