Predicting the unpredictable for intermodal

Two trains work with container lifts for ships in distance

Intermodal analyst Larry Gross says that normally he’d be able to draw on his 45 years of transportation experience to make predictions about freight volume in the months ahead. “Theoretically, it would mean that I would be bringing some long-term insight to the situation that we find ourselves in today: You know, a sense that, […]

Read More…

A thrilling 90 mph steam locomotive ride

A magazine spread from the June 1950 issue of Trains Magazine featuring a photo of a fast-moving Milwaukee Road steam locomotive

A thrilling ride on a high-steed steam locomotive is featured in this article from June 1950 Trains Magazine by then-Editor David P. Morgan. Engineer Valentine Ureda pulls up the drop seat within the door of his Hudson’s vestibuled cab, wipes it off with cotton waste, then pauses for a logical question: “Ever ride a steam […]

Read More…

Burlington Northern renumbering

Color photo of red and gray HO diesel on scenicked base.

Q: I’m building a layout based on the early Burlington Northern in Idaho. I’ve seen a number of photos of renumbered locomotives and cabooses. Most have white numbers and reporting marks, but I’ve seen a few prototype photos online with the data in black. Did BN have a standard font and size for renumbering equipment, […]

Read More…

Atlas Premier GP38-2 Conrail No. 8061

nose of a blue and white model locomotive

Atlas has continued the slow drip style of releasing their acquired Premier Line toolings from MTH. Over the past two years, their style of regular catalog drops created an almost consistent arrival of models to the market. In their Summer 2024 catalog, they announced today’s spotlight: the Premier GP38-2.  A partial shipment of the GP38-2s […]

Read More…

Illinois could still act to avoid Chicago-area transit cuts

Commuter trains pass on three-track line with Willis Tower in distance

CHICAGO — Chicago-area transit agencies will begin planning for massive service cuts in the wake of the legislature’s failure to address the region’s funding shortfall — but there could still be a chance to avoid a 40% reduction in service. Legislators could still pass a bill in a special session or a fall veto session […]

Read More…

Worker killed at Metrolinx rail yard in Ontario

Metrolinx logo

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — A worker in a Metrolinx rail yard in Mississauga was killed Monday (June 2) after becoming trapped in a machine at the facility, CityNews Toronto reports. Police were called to the incident about noon. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional details have not yet been reported. Canada’s Ministry of […]

Read More…

Durango & Silverton loses land-use case at Colorado Supreme Court

Steam-powered passenger train approaching curve

DENVER — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has lost a land-use fight stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic before the Colorado Supreme Court. The court, in a group of decisions announced May 27, upheld a ruling that LaPlata County had the right to regulate the railroad, as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission had previously […]

Read More…