HO scale Autoflood III coal hopper from Rapido

HO scale Autoflood III coal hopper from Rapido Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $59.95; six-pack, $359.70 Era: 2004+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Autoflood III coal hopper features: Die-cast frame and floor Full interior rivet and K-member details Detailed […]

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Norfolk Southern trainee killed in Alabama accident (updated)

Norfolk Southern logo

BESSEMER, Ala. — A Norfolk Southern conductor trainee was killed early this morning (Tuesday, Dec. 13) in what is being described as a freak accident, Al.com reports. Bessemer police report they were called to the accident scene about 1 a.m. The trainee and conductor were on a train when it passed another NS train. One […]

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BNSF gets state permit for Bismarck bridge project

BNSF train crossing river bridge in winter

BISMARCK, N.D. — BNSF Railway’s plans to replace a more than century-old bridge across the Missouri River took another step forward Monday, while a preservation group’s effort to stop the bridge project sustained another setback. The Bismarck Tribune reports the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued the water quality certification necessary for BNSF to […]

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South Dakota seeks funds to upgrade deteriorating short line

Map of the Twin Cities & Western Railroad and its two related rail lines

SISSETON, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposed state budget includes $6.25 million to help upgrade the Sisseton-Milbank Railroad, a 37-mile line serving a grain elevator which has deteriorated to the point that traffic can only creep along at 5 mph or less, and averages about one derailment a year. The Mitchell Republic reports […]

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CSX Santa Train returns to the rails

It began as a simple act of generosity to the folks of the Appalachian coalmining region. Now, 80 years later, the CSX Santa Train continues the tradition of distributing upward of 15 tons of toys and treats to delighted children and parents along a 110-mile railroad run. From onboard and trackside perspectives, follow the route […]

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Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot plug door boxcar from Athearn

Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot boxcar: an orange boxcar illustration against a white background

Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot plug door boxcar from Athearn Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $39.99. Add $5 for Prime for Grime models. Era: 1977+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com FMC 50’ boxcar features: Separately applied grab irons, end ladders and brake wheel Photo-etched cross-over platform 33” […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Powder River Basin Coal Trains

There may be no better place than Logan Hill to highlight hard-working, heavy-haulin’ railroads in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. In this exploration of BSIR, Tom documents the parade of trains along the impressive, shared BNSF/Union Pacific four-track mainline through Thunder Basin National Grassland. While this territory is often maligned as “fly-over country”, Tom’s […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Intermodal Trains

With its fast-moving, extensive-length, and often technicolor appearance, intermodal freight transportation along the rails of North America is interesting to view anywhere! But when set amongst a dramatic backdrop of the Mountain West region, you’ll find it hard not to be completely captivated by the magical culmination of engineered efficiency and striking natural beauty. That’s […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Powder River Basin Coal Trains

There may be no better place than Logan Hill to highlight hard-working, heavy-haulin’ railroads in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. In this exploration of BSIR, Tom documents the parade of trains along the impressive, shared BNSF/Union Pacific four-track mainline through Thunder Basin National Grassland. While this territory is often maligned as “fly-over country”, Tom’s […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Intermodal Trains

With its fast-moving, extensive-length, and often technicolor appearance, intermodal freight transportation along the rails of North America is interesting to view anywhere! But when set amongst a dramatic backdrop of the Mountain West region, you’ll find it hard not to be completely captivated by the magical culmination of engineered efficiency and striking natural beauty. That’s […]

Read More…