Wabtec introduces new locomotive in Brazil

Side view of blue and silver locomotive

CONTAGEM, Brazil — Wabtec is introducing a new heavy-haul locomotive in Brazil designed to address decarbonization concerns while providing similar performance. The ES44ACi features a 12-cylinder Evolution Series diesel engine, producing the same 4,500 horsepower as the 16-cylinder FDL engine in its predecessor. “This represents greater energy efficiency and lower emissions,” Daniela Ornelas, Wabtec vice […]

Read More…

Patchout equipment you can model for your layout

Photo of HO scale end-cab locomotive in weather-beaten orange-and-black paint scheme.

The colorful world of patchout equipment you can model   Patchout equipment you can model: I remember when I placed Milwaukee, Racine & Troy MP15AC no. 1505 on our HO scale staff layout for the first time. Andy Sperandeo looked at the model, shook his head, and said, “Cody, there was a time when the […]

Read More…

Maryland tower to be moved this weekend

CSX logo

BRUNSWICK, Md. — A century-old interlocking tower built by the Baltimore & Ohio is slated to be moved from CSX Transportation property to city-owned land this weekend, the Frederick News-Post reports. The West Brunswick Tower, built in 1910 and removed from service by CSX in 2011, will be moved about 100 feet from its current […]

Read More…

Will autonomous trucks put the iron horse out to pasture? – Analysis

There’s no question that autonomous trucks pose a threat to the railroad industry. They’re not here quite yet, but TuSimple is proving the concept with driverless rigs that are making revenue runs on highways in the Southwest. And other companies are working to develop battery-electric trucks. If proven feasible and deployed in sufficient numbers, driverless […]

Read More…

Biden budget includes more funds for passenger rail, transit projects

Head-on view of passenger train with road-switcher-stye locomotive

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2023 budget recommendations call for a significant boost over previous levels of rail funding, on top of amounts already appropriated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. But like all Executive Branch budgets, they are only suggestions meant to guide Congress’ spending priorities. The Federal Railroad Administration’s budget request is $4.66 […]

Read More…

Report finds Long Island Rail Road shares blame for delivery problems with new railcars

Low-angle front view of electric multiple-unit train equipment

NEW YORK — An initial order for new electric multiple-unit railcars for the Long Island Rail Road fell almost three years behind schedule and more than $8.9 million over budget — and the commuter railroad failed to collect damages and accepted cars with defects that were not repaired in a timely fashion, according to a […]

Read More…

Coast Guard to communicate with STB, rather than parties in Gulf Coast dispute

Logo of the U.S. Coast Guard

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Coast Guard official asked to meet with the parties involved in the Amtrak Gulf Coast dispute says the service branch will deal directly with federal regulators, the parties have informed the Surface Transportation Board. In a joint filing Monday by Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority […]

Read More…

CSX, NS ask regulators to order mediation in Amtrak Gulf Coast case (updated)

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON — The three parties opposing Amtrak’s effort to launch Gulf Coast passenger service have asked the Surface Transportation Board to require mediation in the case, set for a hearing before the board in April. Amtrak has filed a response opposing the request. In a Friday, March 25, joint filing, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and […]

Read More…

Model railroad announcements for March 31, 2022

Photo of HO scale streamlined E1A and E1B diesel locomotives painted red and silver on scenicked base.

Product news Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the model railroad announcements on products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 31, 2022.   HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive […]

Read More…

Grain shippers complain about delays on BNSF, NS, and UP

Freight train passing grain elevator

WASHINGTON — The trade group representing grain producers says severe delays on BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific have forced its members to shut down flour mills as well as feed mills that produce food for livestock. The National Grain and Feed Association outlined the rail service problems in a letter posted to the […]

Read More…

Service disrupted on two MBTA transit lines

Portion of map showing transit lines in central Boston

BOSTON — A partial collapse of a parking garage has led the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to suspend service on parts of two transit lines as of this morning (Monday, March 28). Orange Line subway service has suspended for a seven-station segment between the Back Bay and North Station stops, while a bus bridge is […]

Read More…