Railroading Merit Badge Class

CSX hosted 42 scouts and their parents for an all day class to cover the requirements of the Boy Scout Railroading Merit Badge. On hand were instructors from various railroad backgrounds with years of service ranging from 5 to nearly 40 years. The scouts were given a short instruction on each block of material, followed by an opportunity to work directly with experienced railroad personnel to successfully complete their merit badge workbook.

42 scouts participated in the class.

View Full-Size Photo

Topics covered included

• Types of freight trains
• Railroad cars and equipment
• Modern diesel electric locomotives
• Passenger trains
• Railroad departments
• Railroad careers
• Operation Lifesaver
• Railroad safety
• Train signals
• Railroad museums and history

Several real life items were on display including a working train signal, an active crossing warning device, a rear end telemetry marker and several railroad artifacts and signs.

This is the second merit badge class CSX has presented in the area in 2009. Due to the tremendous interest in the program, additional classes will be scheduled for early 2010, expanding out to incorporate Rochester, NY by mid-year.

Several of the scout leaders remarked that this was one of the best merit badge classes they had ever attended.