Southern California Railroad Museum adds ATSF bicentennial SD45-2 to collection

Red, white, and blue locomotive

PERRIS, Calif. — The Southern California Railroad Museum has added a former Santa Fe bicentennial locomotive to its collection. SD45-2 No. 5704, built in 1973, was one of five repainted locomotives repainted into red, white, and blue at Santa Fe’s San Bernardino shops in 1975 and 1976, and saw action on priority freight trains as […]

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Canadian vaccination requirement for rail passengers to take effect Oct. 30

Government of Canada logo

OTTAWA, Ontario — Following up on a policy announced in August, the Government of Canada has announced COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for passengers on VIA Rail Canada and Rocky Mountaineer trains, as well as those departing from Canadian airports, effective Oct. 30. There will also be a transition period when travelers in the process […]

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Trackside Photos: Nine fantastic photos from Great Model Railroads 2022

A pair of Monon diesels cross the Nickel Plate Road diamonds behind a freight house and a farm field where a green tractor sits

  Great Model Railroads 2022 is packed with articles, photos, tips, tricks, and track plans from nine incredible layouts in HO, N, and O scales. This gallery features images from all nine of those model railroads. Great Model Railroads 2022 is on sale now at your local hobby store. You can also order directly from […]

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Man killed in shooting on Sunset Limited was 16-year DEA agent

Head-and-shoulders photo of man in coat and tie

TUCSON, Ariz. — A 16-year veteran of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been identified as the victim in a shooting aboard Amtrak’s Sunset Limited on Monday in Tucson. The Arizona Republic reports that Michael Garbo was killed as agents were detaining 22-year-old Devonte Mathis after finding marijuana and other cannabis products in his backpack, […]

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Seven suits filed over Empire Builder derailment

Three men in hard hats and safety vests in front of derailed passenger train

CHICAGO — A Chicago law firm has filed seven separate lawsuits against Amtrak and BNSF Railway on behalf of passengers injured in the Sept. 25 derailment of the Empire Builder, and says it will challenge an arbitration requirement added to tickets in 2019.  A press release from the Clifford Law Offices says the firm obtained […]

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Indiana Rail Road Santa Train to return

Indiana Rail Road Santa Train logo

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Rail Road’s Santa Train will return after a pandemic-related hiatus, operating Dec. 3-5 under a modified schedule and format because of ongoing COVID-19 safety precautions. The 2021 operation of the specially decorated train will see Santa’s elves arrive ahead of the train to prepare for Santa’s arrival, with families invited to watch […]

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Activist investor TCI Fund says it’s acting in the best interest of all CN shareholders

Canadian National logo

LONDON – The war of words continues between Canadian National and TCI Fund Management, its second-largest investor. TCI, which seeks to oust CN CEO JJ Ruest and has nominated four directors to serve on CN’s board, today disputed claims that CN made on Monday. CN yesterday set March 22 as the date it will hold […]

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Nickel Plate 765 returns to the rails for a special reunion

Two steam locomotives lined up side-by-side

NEW HAVEN, Ind. — Famed excursion star Nickel Plate Road No. 765 had a busy fall in 2021 with a visit to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and a special trip to reunite with sister NKP Berkshire No. 757 in Bellevue, Ohio. Now the 765 organization looks forward to its 50th anniversary in 2022. After […]

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Analysis: Microchip shortage likely to drag down automotive shipments by rail

Train with yellow diesels against skyline and mountains

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Consumers want to purchase new vehicles, and railroads are eager to transport them, but a persistent microchip shortage riddled with pandemic-related setbacks is likely to mean fewer auto sales and subsequently, fewer autorack loads from U.S. auto plants for the balance of 2021. Year-to-date, U.S. railroads have transported more than 490,870 carloads […]

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Wabtec expands metal 3D printing capability

Building with Wabtec logo wrapping around front

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Wabtec has upped its commitment to additive manufacturing with a new 11,000-square-foot facility at the Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus in an area dedicated to 3D printing technology. Wabtec has already achieved breakthrough component designs for both freight locomotive and rail transit applications. The company opened its first additive manufacturing lab in 2019 […]

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