Digest: Toronto residents will need transit agency approval for home improvements near planned rail lines

Metrolinx logo

Toronto residents will need Metrolinx approval for home improvements near subway projects People who live next to planned Toronto-area subway projects could need permission from provincial transit agency Metrolinx for such home improvements as addition of a backyard deck or swimming pool. The Toronto Star reports that a law passed last year by the Ontario […]

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Rail and transportation officials sign agreement for Virginia passenger plan

Man at podium making gesture

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia has finalized agreements with CSX Transportation, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express on the $3.7 billion partnership that will improve passenger, commuter, and freight railroad service in the state. “We are celebrating good news: An expansion of rail service that will reduce congestion, boost the economy, and make life better for people […]

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Air plant

Air plants inside of a miniature greenhouse

Common name: Air plant Latin name: Tillandsia sp. Plant type: Perennial USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 Cultural needs: No soil; indirect light indoors or shade outdoors; regular watering; air! Plant size: 2-6″ Obviously they need air but these little air plants also require regular watering and specific amounts of light. In their native South American rain […]

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Watco purchases lines in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario from CN (updated)

Map of Watco linces purchased from CN

  MONTREAL — Watco will buy 650 miles of branch lines in Wisconsin and Michigan from Canadian National, along with 250 miles of the company’s Soo Subdivision in Ontario, the companies announced today. In Ontario, where it acquires the line between Sault Ste. Marie and Oba, Ont., Watco will provide freight operations and continue the […]

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Digest: Union files grievance over Honolulu rail agency layoffs

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation logo

Hawaii union files grievance over layoffs by rail transit agency Hawaii’s largest labor union has filed a grievance over layoffs by the agency building Honolulu’s problem-plagued light rail system. The Associated Press reports the Hawaii Government Employees Association says the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has laid off dozens of workers without providing 90 days’ […]

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Digest: MBTA says it will restore subway, bus service to pre-pandemic levels

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

MBTA to restore subway, bus service as quickly as possible, GM says The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which has been heavily criticized for service cuts even as it received federal aid, now says it will look to restore subway and bus service to pre-pandemic levels as quickly as possible. WBUR reports MBTA General Manager Steve […]

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Perform rolling stock checkups

Homemade coupler test fixture with various tools, gauges, and parts.

Good rolling stock plays a major role in the operating quality of any layout. On most model railroads, the car fleet represents more potential problems than any other single element, so here’s how I check every car before it goes on my Ohio Southern Railroad, using just a few handy tools, 1. Trucks and wheels […]

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Y’All Aboard? Much is riding on dispute over Gulf Coast passenger service

Passengers at a sunny platform board a silver, double-decker passenger car.

In a perfect world, we’d have fond memories of a bottle of champagne being ceremoniously smashed across the pilot of an Amtrak P42 heading the maiden trip of long-sought passenger service between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans. And we’d be able to take the train to the beach at Biloxi or the aquarium at Gulfport, […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, vehicle, and decal announcements for April 1, 2021

Double door boxcar

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 products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of April 1, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 diesel locomotive. New […]

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Improve short locomotive wiring in 7 steps

A short O gauge 0-6-0t steam switcher approaches a pair of track turnouts

Some of today’s short-wheelbase locomotives have issues with the prototypical switches and narrow-angle crossings that make an O gauge railroad look realistic. Here’s a quick fix that will allow any locomotive­ ­- even this economical Bethlehem Steel saddle tanker from Lionel – to perform reliably over the troublesome trackwork. THIS IS A PHOTO FEATURE. CLICK […]

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Digest: Nebraska Railroad Museum receives land donation for new home

Banner announcing Nebraska Railroad Museum

Land donated by BNSF to become new home of Nebraska Railroad Museum The Nebraska Railroad Museum has received a donation of 8 acres of land from BNSF Railway in Nebraska City, Neb., which will become the museum’s home. Cleanup and evaluation of the existing infrastructure, which includes 2,000 feet of track, has begun. The museum […]

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