Keolis, IBEW reach tentative contract agreement

Elevated view of commuter train at large station

BOSTON — Keolis Commuter Services, the contract operator of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter trains, has reached a tentative contract agreement with electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the parties announced late last week. Keolis has now reached agreements with all 14 unions involved in MBTA commuter rail, who represent more than […]

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News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025   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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of November 3rd, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 28 | Weathering effects for railroad bridges

Time to distress some steel! Follow along as David demonstrate two essential bridge weathering techniques on the HO scale (1:87.1) ETIP project layout, from heavy all-over rust using Monroe Models washes to creating the effect of faded, blistered paint with Vallejo Paints. Get the pro tips on permanent installation and finish details along the authentic […]

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NTSB issues final report on UP conductor fatality in Kenosha, Wis.

Diagram of scene of fatal accident involving Union Pacific conductor and Metra train in Kenosha, Wis.

WASHINGTON — The conductor of a Union Pacific train was standing in a track adjacent to his train for an unknown reason when he was struck and killed by a Metra train, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its final investigation report on the Sept. 4, 2024, accident in Kenosha, Wis. The incident occurred […]

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A remarkable coincidence

Black and white image of a lady watching a train depart into the dark night.

[Ed. — This adventure is excerpted from a story originally appearing in Trains, September 1984. It, along with 45 other railroad stories, can be found in a forthcoming Trains/Classic Train book: Tales of the Rails, due out in March 2026. Visit shop.trains.com to order your copy.] On June 27, 1955, I witnessed a veteran locomotive […]

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Metrolink, LA Metro prepare for Dodger victory celebration

Map showing route of Los Angeles Dodgers World Series parade and nearby transit stations

LOS ANGELES — Commuter rail operator Metrolink will offer additional service on Monday, Nov. 3, for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory parade, the agency announced today (Sunday, Nov. 2). LA Metro is also providing special service, including Dodger Stadium Express buses to the ticketed celebration at the stadium; those buses will be free […]

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News photo: NJ Transit light rail marks anniversary of U.S. independence

Light rail vehicle wrapped with design including U.S. flag, Revolutionary War imagery, and the words "Celebrating America's 250th"

TRENTON, N.J. — NJ Transit has become the latest rail entity to mark the coming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, wrapping a trainset from its light rail River Line with graphics marking the anniversary in 2026. Photographer Adam Reich captured the trainset testing at the Trenton Transit Center last week. It is one of the […]

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Illinois transit bill could boost Quad Cities passenger rail project

Passenger train stops at station

MOLINE, Ill. — The transit bill passed early Friday (Oct. 31) by Illinois legislators doesn’t just address the financial needs and governing structure of transit operations in the Chicago area. Tucked into the bill’s more than 1,000 pages are two provisions that legislators say should boost the long-running effort to launch rail passenger service between […]

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Broadway Limited HO track inspection car

Color rendering showing end of HO scale fluted-side track inspection car with stainless steel sides, green-tinted window glazing, and green, blue, and white graphics on white background.

Broadway Limited HO track inspection car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $139.99 Era: 1975 to present (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports, 9 East Tower Circle, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; 386-673-8900; broadway-limited.com Broadway Limited HO track inspection car features: Compatible with code 70, 83, and 100 rail Era-specific light packages Individually controlled light […]

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Illinois legislature passes bill to fund Chicago-area transit (updated)

Elevated train with fall foliage and city skyline in background

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois legislature has passed a package of funding measures to support Chicago-area transit agencies, while also restructuring those agencies. The 1,043-page Senate Bill 2111 will wipe out the collective shortfall of more than $200 million faced by Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, and bus operator Pace, avoiding CTA service cuts that […]

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SEPTA receives two-week extension for Silverliner IV inspections

Electric multiple-unit railcars in shop building

PHILADELPHIA — The Federal Railroad Administration has granted a two-week extension to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority for completion of its FRA-mandated inspections of the 223-car Silverliner IV fleet. SEPTA said that as of today — Oct. 31, 2025, the original FRA deadline — it has met almost all of the actions required under the […]

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