News photos: CSX Santa Train makes annual trip

Train with four locomotives on long trestle

For the 82nd year, CSX’s Santa Train made its journey over the former Clinchfield Railroad on Saturday, Nov. 23, traveling from Shelby, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., in an approximately 9-hour, 110-mile trip featuring a dozen intermediate stops in which Santa Claus and volunteers distributed gifts to those visiting the train at trackside. The train, operating […]

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TEXRail orders more Stadler trainsets

Diesel multiple-unit trainset with airplane overhead

FORT WORTH, Texas — Transit agency Trinity Metro has ordered four more FLIRT diesel multiple-unit trainsets for its TEXRail commuter rail service, Stadler announced. Delivery is expected in 2027. The new equipment will join the existing fleet of eight FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) trainsets in operation since 2019 on the 27.2-mile, nine-station […]

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STB environmental office clears path for Saluda Grade abandonment

Map of rail line in North and South Carolina

WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern’s proposed abandonment of the Saluda Grade in North and South Carolina will not need to undergo an environmental impact statement process, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Assessment has determined in a decision released today (Monday, Nov. 25). The railroad filed for abandonment of 31.3 miles of the long-dormant route […]

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News & Products for the week of November 25th 2024

News & Products for the week of November 25th 2024   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 25th […]

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Enjoy Trainfest 2024 Highlights with Trains.com

Trainfest 2024  occurred November 23-24, 2024, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the two-day event, thousands of train enthusiasts made their way into the sold out exhibit spaces to enjoy visiting model manufacturers, hobby product/material vendors, model train retailers, operating layouts, and so much more! Watch this compilation video to catch a […]

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Inside Trainfest 2024

Ho scale steam locomotive at a station

America’s largest operating model railroad show returned to Milwaukee over the weekend. After a 2023 hiatus, Trainfest 2024 was held Nov. 23-24 at the Baird Center, located in the downtown area. The center itself was recently renovated and featured 300,000-contiguous sq. ft. of exhibit space, with highlights from the show that included the following: Dozens […]

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Max, notable railroad dog, dies at 9

dog with rainbow in the background

Well known from social media posts reflecting eight years of travels with owner Alan David, “raildog” Max passed away Nov. 19, 2024 during a visit to former Trains Editor Jim Wrinn’s home to see Cate Wrinn. Max began showing signs of trouble while in Fort Worth, Texas, shortly after celebrating his 9th birthday on November […]

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Are MTH Premier SD60M shells interchangable?

model diesel locomotiv

Are MTH Premier SD60M shells interchangable I have the MTH No. 20-2595-1 Premier Line Harley-Davidson SD60M freight set from around 2005. I ran it a few times before the circuit board fried. At the time, it was already out of warranty. I looked into having the board replaced, but it cost too much. More recently, […]

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Make building signs from polyester labels

google search results

Make building signs from polyester labels: In our hobby, the little things can make a big difference. When adding buildings to our railroads, it’s details like signs that help us determine if it’s the local drug store or the donut shop. Signs also clue us in to what era the railroad is set in.  I […]

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Christmas in a rail yard: 24th Mechanized Infantry Division

armored vehicles along train track

24th Mechanized Infantry Division The first sergeant’s voice boomed out over the formation: “I’m looking for eight volunteers. I need eight men who are looking for an adventure to volunteer for a special assignment. Don’t everybody step forward at once.” Not surprisingly, no one was inclined to volunteer until they knew more about what they […]

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