I’m leading the boys from our local Troop through the requirements of the Boy Scout Railroading merit badge. I am looking for online resources which would assist in teaching its requirements, which can be seen here.
Keep in mind that the boys have very limited knowledge of most basic aspects of railroading. I’m interested in primer-type materials that explain the history, mechanics, operations, etc. of railroading. Any help appreciated.
NH Chris
p.s. I’ve seen the “Killing off the Boy Scouts” thread, and would appreciate if any comments about the Scouts as an organization could be kept to a minimum. 
Chris,
In 2003 I helped our district run a “Railroad-O-Rama” camporee. We partnered with the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, a wonderful environment for the event. We camped right on the grounds for two nights, and had a short train ride for the Saturday campfire. The museum even helped arrange for presenters for the various topics. It was a great weekend, with over 200 Scouts earning their Railroading merit badges.
Perhaps there’s a muesum in your area that would be willing to assist. I might have copies of some of our program materials if you’d be interested.
Mike:
Actually, you read my mind; we are actually going to do a service project for a local RR museum, as well as a yard tour and campout this weekend. If you have any general RRing-oriented materials you could send me, drop me an email (address in profile) if you have anything that can be sent that way.
NH Chris
Being an Eagle Scout (Class of '96) that is a neat Merit Badge. You could look on www.cn.ca to get info on routes, times, and further safety info. They have lots of info on that. Wishing you lots of luck!
Railway Age Bookstore, Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp, 1809 Capitol Ave., Omaha, Nebr. publishes a book written for the general public entitled something like “The Railroad / What It Does and How It Works.”
The following website should help: http://www.transalert.com/bookstore/Rail/
Four plus decades ago I earned the Railroading Merit Badge as well. A Milwaukee Road railroad man who lived in either Itasca or Roselle, Ill. sponsored that effort. That experience is just another reason why the late great Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific will forever have a warm place in my heart!
The Railroad: What it is, What it Does, by the late John Armstrong. It’s a very good book; I got all four editions.
However, I’m not sure that it’s a good read for just anybody, even interested Boy Scouts.
The same source can also tell you about All About Railroading, by Bill Vantuono. Now in its second edition, it is a smaller book, and could almost be used as a textbook for the merit badge.
(I earned said merit badge when I was a Scout–probably one of the few people in my home town to do so.)
A “Rules” class would make an interesting day’s work, especially if presented by a railroader. Select the appropriate rules for your area (I see “NH” in your sig - NORAC might be appropriate.) A number of the topics in the requirements list would be covered in the rules.
All: Thanks for the helpful information. I’ve ordered several copies of the Vantuono book, which looks like exactly what we’ll need. A rules class is another good idea which I will look into.
We had our service project and campout this past weekend, which was a great success. We helped out at the Naugatuck RR’s station and shop, and got an inside and out tour of two former NH FL-9 units that they are restoring. The day’s work ended with a showing of “A Great Railroad at Work,” a 1942 Jam Handy production on the New Haven RR. We’ll have to finish up work on the merit badge in the fall, but we’ve got a bunch of scouts who are interested in completing it. Next year, we may open up enrollment to the entire local Scout Council.
NH Chris
…The Eagle Scout award is a fine achievement. I remember the first time it was rewarded in my little home town back in Pennsylvania about 60 years ago…Done in our church. A very well respected achievement. Troop 146.
G’day, Y’all,
You might go to meritbadge.com which is the Scouts’ official merit badge website. My son is an Eagle, class of 2006. I would like him to get the RR merit badge, too.