CSX derailment in North Carolina leads to extensive Amtrak cancellations

CSX logo

ENFIELD, N.C. — Twenty-eight cars of a CSX loaded CSX coal train derailed Sunday afternoon (Aug. 17, 2025) north of Rocky Mount, N.C., bringing extensive disruptions to Amtrak service as well as freight operations. No injuries were reported, and a CSX representative told WRAL-TV that no waterways had been affected and there was “no threat […]

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Hobby Trax USA power distribution board

Color photo of green printed-circuit board with screw terminals, plugs, and white printing on white background

Hobby Trax USA power distribution board Price: $24.95 Manufacturer: Hobby Trax USA, 1237 Victoria Ave., No. 310, Oxnard, CA 93035; 518-727-2009; hobbytrax.us   Hobby Trax USA power distribution board features: 10 independently switched channels Can be fitted with master control switch (not included) Easy to wire For all 12V DC devices Green light-emitting diode illuminates […]

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Inaugural ‘Mardi Gras’ train brings out hundreds at stops along the Gulf Coast (with video) (updated)

NEW ORLEANS — Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission on Saturday staged a preview of the long-anticipated Mardi Gras service set to begin Monday (Aug. 18, 2025) using cars, locomotives, and crews that will provide two daily round trips between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala. Here’s a look at how the table was set on […]

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SEPTA railcar inspections lead to Regional Rail cancellations (updated)

Meet of electric multiple-unit commuter trains

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has removed some of its electric multiple-unit railcars from service for inspections related to two fires earlier this year, leading to delays and cancellations of some Regional Rail service. In an Aug. 14 press release, SEPTA said it has been cancelling some trips because  “out of an abundance […]

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Montreal’s REM prepares to resume operations after six-week shutdown

Map of Montreal light rail syste

MONTREAL — Réseau express métropolitain light rail service between downtown Montreal and Brossard, Quebec, is slated to resume on Monday (Aug. 18) following a six-week closure to prepare for the opening of most of the rest of the REM system. The closure of the 10.3-mile (16.5-kilometer) section that opened in July 2023 was necessary, REM […]

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CPKC oil train derails in Wisconsin (updated)

Aerial view of derailed freight train

LOWELL, Wis. — Approximately 30 cars of a CPKC unit train of crude oil derailed today (Friday, Aug. 15, 2025) near the town of Lowell, with some oil believed to be leaking from the derailed tank cars, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. The derailment has led to service disruptions for Amtrak’s Empire Builder […]

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Rocky Mountaineer announces new, limited-run trip in Canadian Rockies (updated)

Passenger train greeted by individuals waving flags.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Rocky Mountaineer has announced a limited-run trip through Canada’s Banff and Jasper national parks to be offered for four weeks in summer 2026. The “Passage to the Peaks” service will feature two days of viewing the parks with an overnight stay in Kamloops, B.C. It will offered beginning June 10 from […]

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Model Railroader Photo of the Day: Westbound freight near Crowsnest

Two gray and orange model locomotives lead a freight train past a body of water on a model railroad layout

Southern Alberta Rail Electro- Motive Division F45 no. 101, the railroad’s oldest active unit, is paired up with a modern SD70MAC on a westbound freight near Crowsnest, British Columbia, Canada. Grant Eastman of Calgary, Alberta, took the photo on his N scale layout. Model Railroader‘s Photo of the Day features images from our archives, celebrating […]

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SEPTA begins preparing for service cuts as funding deadline passes

Four-car electric multiple-unit trainset

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will begin service cuts on Aug. 24 after the agency’s Thursday, Aug. 14, deadline passed for funding to avert the service reductions. According to a statement from the agency released early today (Aug. 15, 2025), “With no new funding secured, SEPTA must proceed with work to implement service […]

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Union Pacific adds lobbyists as part of merger effort

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — Union Pacific has bolstered its lobbyist efforts on Capitol Hill to support its effort to merge with Norfolk Southern. Politico reports the railroad has hired a team from the firm of Squire Patton Boggs led by former U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), who spent 18 years in the House, including six as chair […]

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