Digest: No. 1309 fully operational, Western Maryland Scenic says

Steam train

Western Maryland Scenic says No. 1309 is being prepared for FRA inspection Western Maryland Scenic Railroad officials say C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is “100% operational” and believe the locomotive will be operating this summer, although it awaits a few parts and must address “a few leaks” before receiving its Federal Railroad Administration inspection. The Cumberland […]

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Wabtec to acquire maintenance-of-way equipment firm Nordco

Nordco Logo

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec Corp. has announced a “definitive agreement” to acquire Nordco, a supplier of new, rebuilt, and used maintenance-of-way equipment, from Greenbriar Equity Group LP for $400 million in cash. Nordco’s product line includes mobile railcar movers and ultrasonic rail flaw detection technologies, with equipment and services supporting North American customers ranging from Class […]

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Emery Rail Heritage Trust announces 2021 awards

Emery Rail Heritage Trust logo

The John Emery Rail Heritage Trust has awarded 22 grants totaling almost $325,000 for rail preservation projects in 2021, with 20 new awards joining two projects previously receiving funding. The awards come from 41 applicants seeking grants totaling more than $1 million. The trust was established by long-time Chicago resident John Emery to preserve equipment […]

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Massachusetts congressional delegation asks for more thorough review of CSX-Pan Am deal (updated)

Commuter train at station

WASHINGTON — The Massachusetts congressional delegation has asked the Surface Transportation Board to consider CSX Transportation’s acquisition of New England regional Pan Am Railways as a significant transaction, which would put the deal under a more stringent regulatory review process. “While the STB’s procedures for a significant transaction provide additional time for interested parties to […]

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News & Products for the week of March 25, 2021

Miniature vintage gas station with car parked out by the pump

O scale structures Bellevue service station. 1:43.5 scale. Laser-cut cardboard kit. Includes pumps and choice of fuel brand (Agip, Antar, Avia, Azur, BP, Elan, Elf, Esso, Fina, Ozo, Shell, and Total. Other brands available upon request). Vehicle shown not included. Measures 10.62” x 7.87” x 9.84”. $114.37. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Minifer, […]

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Less-than-carload boxcars in L.A.

Boxcars at freight house

Boxcars assigned to less-than-carload (LCL) service — including several Southern Pacific “Overnight” boxcars — are being loaded on parallel tracks at Pacific Electric’s 8th Street Freight Station in Los Angeles in the 1940s. PE was an SP subsidiary. Pacific Electric […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, structure, decal, and accessory announcements for March 25, 2021

Ten cabooses in different color schemes

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 March 25, 2021 HO scale freight cars Pullman-Standard PS-2 two-bay covered hopper. […]

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Analysis: Amtrak’s Gulf Coast STB filing to test right of access

People boarding train

WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s 826-page petition to the Surface Transportation Board, filed last week, is the latest salvo in efforts to establish passenger trains on routes of railroads not currently hosting service. The STB’s eventual decision could have a significant impact on what investment is required for service expansion. The filing argues Amtrak has made good […]

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