BNSF deals with two derailments (updated)

Aerial view of derailed intermodal cars

BNSF Railway is working to clean up a pair of derailments that occurred early today (Saturday, July 20). No injuries or hazardous materials situations resulted from either. The first was reported at approximately 12:46 a.m. near Ottawa, Kan., on BNSF’s Emporia Subdivision, blocking both main tracks. The only cargo spilled was a large amount of […]

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Two-day freight photo charter offered with Soo Line No. 1003

Steam engine in snow

Ethan Brodie and Brodie Photography are organizing a two-day photo charter in November featuring Soo Line No. 1003, the 1913 Alco 2-8-2 operated by the Hartford, Wis.-based Steam Locomotive Heritage Association. One- and two-day tickets will be offered for the event Nov. 2-03, which will feature No. 1003 pulling a freight train including additional cars […]

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Iowa county looks at Pop Up Metro rail proposal

Two-car orange and gray railcars

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Officials in Johnson County, Iowa, will consider the Pop Up Metro rail transit system for a proposed service between North Liberty and Iowa City, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports. A group of elected and other officials will make a trip in August to Rockhill Furnace, Pa., where Pop Up Metro has […]

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Santa Fe parade at Joliet

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FT diesels on a westbound Santa Fe freight idle in front of Joliet (Ill.) Union Station, waiting for the Chief, visible in the distance, to clear the block ahead in Fall 1951. Wallace W. Abbey photo […]

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MTH Premier SD35

Blue and white model train on layout

The MTH Premier EMD SD35 was announced in September of 2022. Previously run in 2020, these models again feature ProtoSound 3.0 technology and the great detailing we’ve come to expect from MTH.  The prototype was produced by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division from mid-1964 through 1966. More than 350 of the 2,500 hp locomotives were built, […]

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First look: Midwest states’ Venture coach-café debut

Close-up of silver passenger car with blue window stripe and red and white trim

CHICAGO — The first of 17 Venture coach-café cars built by Siemens for Midwest States has finally debuted on one daily Chicago-St. Louis Lincoln Service round-trip. Trains News Wire sampled the new entry out of Chicago to Bloomington-Normal, Ill., last week on train No. 305, a 5:20 p.m. departure. The trainset returns the next morning […]

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5 traits of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad

Orange-and-black diesel locomotives displaying traits of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton with freight train under bridge

Here are five traits of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton that made it special.   The DT&I was formed in 1905 with the combination of the Detroit Southern and Ohio Southern railroads. In 1920, automobile tycoon Henry Ford acquired the road, popularly to ensure a new River Rouge bridge could be built to ensure water […]

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NTSB releases final East Palestine report

Fire along railroad track at derailment site

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board on Friday released the final report on the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment and hazardous chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio — a document finalized by the June 25 meeting held by the board in East Palestine. As indicated at that meeting [see “NTSB issues 31 new […]

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NYC 4-6-2 departing Detroit

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New York Central 4-6-2 4754 pulls out of Detroit’s Michigan Central Station with train 305 for Toledo and Cleveland on June 5, 1948. Ford Motor Co. has announced plans to convert the towering MC depot into its new headquarters. Elmer Treolar photo […]

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