Scout Program

Since 1957, The Garden State Model Railway Club, Inc. has served as a forum for its members to learn about and enjoy the hobby of Model Railroading, as well as the history and operations of the railroad industry. However, we also have committed ourselves to sharing what we enjoy with others. In January and February of 2002, the GSMRRClub organized its first "Scout Nights" in which Cub Scout groups were invited to see what model railroading is all about!

The first two "Scout Nights" were a great success, and so we are striving to expand and further enhance our Scout Program. Below you will find some photographs of the various activities at a "Scout Night", as well as the official Railroading Merit Badge requirements and how to schedule your own "Scout Night!"

Tiger Cubs observing a train crossing the Viaduct

A group of Tiger Cubs from Pack 27 look on as an ex-N&W Y3 2-8-8-2 crosses the bridge.
Tiger Cub operating a locomotive

The Tiger Cubs learn how to manuever a switching locomotive on the 'switching pike'.
Bob giving a demonstration

"Uncle Bob" teaches both interested fathers and sons alike the basics of good trackwork. Here, he explains the importance of track gauge to members of the "Royal Rangers" from the Rockaway First Assembly of God.

Official BSA Railroading Merit Badge Requirements

Old BSA Railroad Merit Badge         New BSA Railroad Merit Badge
  1. Do THREE of the following:
    1. Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains.
    2. 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.
    3. Using models or pictures, identify 10 types of railroad freight or passenger cars. Explain the purpose of each type of car.
    4. Explain how a modern diesel or electric locomotive develops power. Explain the terms dynamic braking and radial steering trucks.
  2. Do the following:
    1. 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 the type of service you want.
    2. List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail as the fixed guide path.
  3. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Name four departments of a railroad company. Describe what each department does.
    2. Tell about the opportunities in railroading that interest you most and why.
    3. Name four rail support industries. Describe the function of each one.
    4. With your parent'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. Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission.
  5. Do THREE of the following:
    1. List five safety precautions that help make trains safer for workers and passengers.
    2. Explain to your merit badge counselor why railroad rights-of-way are important for safety.
    3. List 10 safety tips to remember when you are near a railroad track (either on the ground or on a station platform) or aboard a train.
    4. Tell your counselor about the guidelines for conduct that should be followed when you are near or on railroad property. Explain the dangers of trespassing on railroad property.
    5. Tell what an automobile driver can do to safely operate a car at grade crossings, and list three things an automobile driver should never do at a grade crossing.
    6. Tell how to report a malfunction of grade crossing warning devices.
    7. 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 tyes using color and configuration.
    2. Explain the meaning of three whistle signals.
    3. Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop.
    4. 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.
  8. Select ONE of the following special-interest areas and complete the requirements:
    1. Model Railroading
      With your parent'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 National Model Railroad Association switching contest on a timesaver layout and record your time.
    2. Railfanning
      With your parent'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, videotape, or sketch items of interest. Explain what you saw and describe your photos, sketches, or videotape.
      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.

BSA Advancement ID #94
Boy Scout Requirements #33215
Requirements last revised in 2004
Material obtained from WWW.MERITBADGE.COM

Old BSA Railroad Merit Badge         New BSA Railroad Merit Badge

Essential Information / How to Schedule a "Scout Night"

Scout Nights are available by invitation only. They are available Friday evenings January through September and may begin anytime after 7PM. Scout Nights are FREE, as this is a service to the community! The only requirement is that a few chaperones accompany the Scouts, especially if they are very young. Activities may include but are not limited to observing the operation of our layout, the Scouts operating a train or locomotive on their own, demonstration of various modeling techniques or how to build a model, the usage of hobby tools, identification of the different kinds of locomotives and rolling stock, discussion of real railroads (jobs, signals, operation, etc.), and more.

To obtain an invitation, first pick a few Friday evenings and times that are convenient for your group. Please note that we hold our Business Meetings on the third Friday of the month if that is possible to avoid. Email Info@GSMRRClub.org with the size and age of the group, where the group is from (also Pack and Den numbers if applicable), and these dates for selection and confirmation. Please include a mailing address and telephone number so that we may send you a formal invitation and contact you!

Groups that have come to "Scout Night"

If you have any questions or to obtain additional information, feel free to contact us!
Email: Info@GSMRRClub.org

Garden State Model Railway Club, Inc.
575 High Mountain Road
North Haledon, NJ 07508-2605

Return to the Special Feature Index
Home
Top of Page
WHAT'S NEW? | Site Map | Contact Us | Locate Us | E-Mail List | Copyright | Privacy
Last Updated June 16, 2007
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional