Q: I recently started working again on my HO scale layout, which features a Digitrax Super Chief Starter Set and Bachmann E-Z Track. I cleaned all of the track and have been testing locomotives. One of the units, an Athearn Genesis HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP38 that has not been used in some time, will […]
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak will cut some elements from a planned rehabilitation of the Northeast Corridor’s Dock Bridge over the Passaic River in New Jersey, reducing the cost of the project by $140 million. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a press release that “refocusing” the project “will fast-track a […]
Trainz has acquired all of the Lionel TMCC1 and modular Legacy conventional reverse and sound printed circuit boards (PCBs). These parts include Odyssey 1 motor drivers, Legacy motor drivers, R2LCs, R4LCs, and Railsounds 2, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 4E, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0. Trains has also acquired conventional reverse units for AC and DC motors, as […]
The rumble of Canadian Pacific’s 4-6-4 Empress No. 2816 and Union Pacific’s 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014 echoed across thousands of miles in 2024. What made these journeys truly remarkable and deserving a brighter spotlight? Both locomotives were equipped with fully compliant, standalone Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. This means they can independently navigate their […]
Second of two parts. Part one is available here. LANDQUART, Switzerland — After winding through a number of other buildings, the tour of the Rhatische Bahn’s main shops by Markus Zaugg, the railroad’s head of rolling stock, eventually wound its way to the 19-stall roundhouse Zaugg says is “probably the most famous railway spot in […]
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down CSX Transportation’s effort to revive an antitrust lawsuit against Norfolk Southern over access at the port of Norfolk, Va. Reuters reports that the court on Monday (April 21) announced it would decline to hear the case, dismissed last August by a lower court. The 4th U.S. […]
WASHINGTON — In the newest chapter of the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and state of New York over congestion pricing, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the federal government could block federal approval for highway projects if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority does not end the tolling program. In a letter today to New […]
WASHINGTON — Every day Union Pacific and BNSF Railway trains battle gravity and curvature as they wind their way up and down the former Southern Pacific main line through the rugged Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California. Now UP and BNSF are engaged in a different sort of fight: The railroads have been unable to come […]
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority announced three of its four unions have ratified new contracts, while negotiations continue with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265. Agreements have been reached with Service Employees International Union Local 521, representing more than 300 workers in information technology, communications and finane; the American Federation […]
Lionel first introduced its No. 3435 Aquarium Car in 1959. This freight car featured a simulated aquarium with “swimming” fish, accomplished with a loop of decorated plastic, a Vibromotor, and a lightbulb. Over the years, dozens of variations of this car have been released, including those with stingrays, sharks, mermaids, and koi. The Train Collectors […]
News & Products for the week of April 21st 2025 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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of April 21st, […]
First of two parts LANDQUART, Switzerland — A railroad’s shops can tell you a lot about the company in general. That was certainly the case from a visit to the main shops of the meter-gauge Rhätische Bahn, which firmly keeps one foot in the past while also embracing cutting-edge technology. My host for this tour […]
