Norfolk Southern introduces online carbon calculator

Norfolk Southern logo

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has introduced a new online carbon calculator to aid customers in their efforts to measure and mitigate carbon emissions resulting from their supply chain decisions. NS, which first introduced a carbon calculator in 2008, says its new version is more accurate because it captures the full cycle of fuel usage, with […]

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Minnesota Senate approves audit of light-rail project

Map of light rail project connecting Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate has joined the state House of Representatives in requesting an audit of the problem-plagued Metro Transit Southwest light-rail extension project. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that, by a 65-0 vote, the Senate approved the bill appropriating $200,000 for the audit and requiring twice-yearly updates to legislators on the […]

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As numbers grow to millions, RDC and others run trains for Ukrainian refugees (updated)

People being helped onto train

The thousands of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine have rapidly become millions, and a huge number continue to rely on railways — both in Ukraine to get to the border, and in the European countries to which they are moving. Major stations across Europe, as well as those at previously insignificant rail junctions, […]

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Sugar Express sets steam excursions for April 9-10

Train with steam locomotive crosses wooden bridge

CLEWISTON, Fla. — U.S. Sugar’s Sugar Express will operate its restored Alco 4-6-2 steam locomotive, No. 148, on two days of train rides between Clewiston and Moore Haven in April. Two-hour round trips on April 9-10 will depart Clewiston at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. each day. Each trip will feature No. 148 […]

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STB asks parties in Gulf Coast hearing to be prepared to address specific topics

Drawbridge as seen from onboard train

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has asked parties involved in the upcoming hearing on Amtrak Gulf Coast service to be prepared to report on a meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard over drawbridge operations on the route, as well as several other issues, at the hearing scheduled for April 4. In a decision issued […]

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Tunnel under a town prototype: Bellows Falls, Vermont

Bellows Falls tunnel under a town prototype: Black and white image of a freight train exiting tunnel underneath a town.

Tunnel under a town prototype: Yes, there is at least one U.S. example of railroads going underneath small towns. And here it is: Boston & Maine’s single track line through Bellows Falls, Vermont. Kalmbach Media’s David P. Morgan Library has three photos in the Boston & Maine tunnels folder that show off this specimen in […]

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Ask MR: What railroads had dedicated merchandise service boxcars?

A red-and-gray New York Central boxcar labeled “Pacemaker Freight Service.”

Q: I model the Missouri Pacific and am familiar with its fleet of dedicated Eagle Merchandise Service boxcars. These cars were not to be used in interchange service and remained on home tracks. How many other railroads had a similar service, and what were they called? – Carl Storms A: While relatively few railroads had […]

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Products & News for the week of March 17, 2022

Photo of HO scale 36-foot 3-dome tank car painted silver and black with black, orange, and white graphics on section of track with white background.

Products & 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 17, 2022. HO scale locomotives Pennsylvania RR class E6 4-4-2 […]

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VIA’s ‘Canadian’ restores dome access, will add second round trip in April

Long passenger train crounds curve in mountain valley

MONTREAL — Without fanfare, VIA Rail Canada this week began allowing passengers on the Canadian and other trains to again sit under glass in dome car seats and have access to onboard lounge facilities. Both had been off limits as a result of health restrictions imposed by the carrier and various provinces since March 2020. […]

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Mt. Washington Cog owner’s project would allow stays at top of mountain

Steam locomotive pushing railroad car up steep grade

NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — The owner of the Mount Washington Cog Railway is proposing stationing railcars near the summit of the mountain to serve as overnight accommodations and a restaurant. The Associated Press reports owner Wayne Presby’s project would cost nearly $14 million, and would station 18 cars at an elevation of about 5,800 feet […]

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Investigation begins into Caltrain collision and fire

Train on fire with plume of black smoke

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — National Transportation Safety Board officials say they will be trying to determine why positive train control didn’t prevent the accident as part of their investigation of the March 10 collision and fire involving a Caltrain commuter train. Thirteen people were reported injured after the train struck on-track equipment involved in the […]

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Canadian Pacific trains involved in two derailments

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

Canadian Pacific trains were involved in two derailments on Saturday, one in Saskatchewan and one in Minnesota. An unknown number of cars were involved in the derailment of a train carrying corn near Drinkwater, Sask., but at least 20 cars are visible on their sides or otherwise off the track in a video posted to […]

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