Ask MR: Tips on building a layout from a wheelchair

A man sitting in a wheelchair operates his HO scale model railroad

Q: I’ve searched all over the internet for information on how to build a model railroad when you’re in a wheelchair, but I’ve found nothing. Nada! Zilch! Can you help, please? I’m desperate! – Joe Kienlen, Conshohocken, Pa. A: Though we haven’t run an article specifically about how to build a layout while using a […]

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What makes a turnout “DCC friendly?”

Model Railroader placeholder image

Q: Are Atlas turnouts “DCC friendly” in the way Walthers turnouts are advertised? Do I need to do anything special to make Snap-Switches and other track products operate properly on a Digitrax DCC powered layout? – Edward Gardineer, East Berne, N.Y. A: Before I answer your question, I have to give you two caveats. First, […]

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Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway: A History

Road-switcher diesel locomotive in foreground, articulated steam locomotive in background

No. 231, one of Missabe’s famous 2-8-8-4s, passes two brand-new successor SD9s at Proctor Yard in May 1959. Marvin Nielsen History of the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range From 1938 until it was purchased by Canadian National in 2004, the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway was “King of the Iron-Ore Haulers.” Its job was […]

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Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern deal gains early support

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern have rounded up broad support for their proposed merger, which would create the first railroad to operate in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The railways announced yesterday that they have received support statements from 259 shippers, other railroads, economic development authorities, and ports. Shipper sentiment will […]

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Biden infrastructure plan may hasten decline of coal

Two rows of coal hoppers

The Biden administration’s proposal to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2035, if approved by Congress, would add to railroads’ coal traffic blues. President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which includes the proposal to wean electricity producers from fossil fuels as a way to fight climate change. About 92% […]

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Digest: MTA completes work on last of Sandy-damaged subway tunnels

Workers in subway tunnel

Work on F line tunnel completed, ending Superstorm Sandy repairs The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed reapirs on the F line subway tunnel under the East River, concluding work on all 11 MTA under-river tunnels that were damaged by the floodwaters of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Janno Lieber, president of MTA Construction & Development, said […]

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Pride of the fleet

Passenger trains meet on curve under signal bridge

Pride of the fleet The Super Chief, which originated the Warbonnet paint scheme, quickly became Santa Fe’s signature passenger offering after its introduction in 1936. Here, it meets the Pekin Express at Chicago’s 15th Street Tower in an undated photo. Photo by Wallace W. Abbey […]

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Largest short line operator offers support of proposed CP-KCS merger

Genesee & Wyoming logo

WASHINGTON — Canadian Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern has picked up its first support from another railroad company. Shortline railroad operator Genesee & Wyoming has told the U.S. Surface Transportation Board that it backs the merger of the smallest Class I systems. “From our perspective, the proposed transaction should provide improved service options […]

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Amtrak unveils ‘Connects US’ map that suggests new corridors

Map of U.S. with current and proposed Amtrak lines

WASHINGTON — Citing the need to finally attack a multi-billion dollar backlog of century-old Northeast Corridor bridge and tunnel replacements, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn followed President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan announcement with the first outlines of a proposal that would jump-start expansion of state-supported intercity corridors with an infusion of upfront capital assistance. “President […]

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Rail groups’ reaction to Biden infrastructure plan is mostly positive

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — Rail and transit groups are offering mostly positive reaction to the transportation aspects of the $2 trillion infrastructure, climate, and jobs plan announced Wednesday by President Joe Biden, with only the Association of American Railroads qualifying its support. The proposal dubbed the American Jobs Plan would devote $621 billion to transportation infrastructure, a […]

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