Q: I’m working on adding lineside details to my freelance model railroad. I’d like to add station signs to help my operators identify various locations on the layout. Though I’m not modeling a specific prototype, I want the signs to look realistic. Where can I find information on prototype station signs? — Bobby T. A: […]
Railroad: Union Pacific
Rail union, Oregon officials question lease of UP trackage to short line
WASHINGTON — The SMART-TD union has urged federal regulators to reject Union Pacific’s plan to lease nearly 28 miles of track in the Eugene, Ore., area to Genesee & Wyoming short line Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad. “This transaction raises significant concerns related to the region’s infrastructure, service quality, economic sustainability, and the broader impact […]
UP’s Daylight Livestock
Among the best-known dedicated livestock trains was the Union Pacific’s Daylight Livestock, train 299. It’s heading west on Cajon Pass behind a matched set of new Alco FAs in 1951. Donald Sims photo […]
NTSB releases more details about Texas collision that killed two UP crewmen
WASHINGTON — A Union Pacific Z-train was moving at 64 mph when it collided with a 45.5-ton piece of heavy equipment on a grade crossing in Pecos, Texas, last month, the National Transportation Safety Board said today. The Dec. 18 wreck fatally injured the train’s two crew members, engineer Clay Burt and conductor Phillip Araujo. […]
Union Pacific begins demolition of Sparks, Nev., machine shop
SPARKS, Nev. — Union Pacific has begun demolition on the former Southern Pacific machine shop in Sparks, a building that predates the city, KTVN-TV reports. The railroad and city have also updated plans for when community members can claim bricks from the historic structure as a keepsake. The bricks will now be available while supplies […]
Engineers are now on predictable schedules in nearly three quarters of Union Pacific crew hubs
OMAHA, Neb. – Union Pacific has implemented engineer scheduling at nearly three quarters of its crew hubs. The agreements, reached between the railroad and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, put engineers on a schedule that includes 11 days on and four days off. They previously were on call up to 24 hours per […]
UP CEO: Oregon switching deal will lead to better service and carload growth
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s decision to shift its local switching operations in Eugene, Ore., to Genesee & Wyoming short line Central Oregon & Pacific could be a model for improving carload service and turbocharging growth elsewhere on UP’s system, CEO Jim Vena says. The deal, announced last month, combines a Class I’s strength of […]
Union Pacific reports stronger profits as volume grows in fourth quarter (updated)
OMAHA, Neb. – Union Pacific’s profits rose in the fourth quarter as volume increased 5% and operating costs fell. “Our strong fourth quarter results represent a great capstone to a very successful year for Union Pacific,” CEO Jim Vena said in a statement. “The team has fully embraced our strategy to lead the industry in […]
Piggyback publicity
A driver backs a brand-new 40-foot Union Pacific trailer into position on a likewise-new 85-foot flatcar in a 1959 publicity shot. The trailer was one of 10 new insulated trailers from Utility, and the flatcars were among 100 new UP cars equipped with two ACF hitches. Union Pacific photo […]
Classic Trains Film Archive | Chicago Passenger Train Parade, Chicago, Illinois, J. David Ingles Reel 0137
Classic Trains Film Archive | Chicago Passenger Train Parade, Chicago, Illinois, J. David Ingles Reel 0137 – Join J. David Ingles for a tour of Chicagoland railroads in early 1971. You’ll see Burlington Northern, Illinois Central, Monon, Penn Central, Santa Fe, and more around the Windy City. Locations include, 21st Street diamond, 18th Street on […]
Union Pacific official tells shippers of plans for online, security improvements
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — When people in shipping or logistics discuss the advantages of trucking over railroads, one of the things they talk about is ease of use. Union Pacific is working on addressing that, at least when it comes to its online portal for customers, says Kenny Rocker, executive vice president, marketing and sales. “Some […]
Budd streamliners
Prior to the time of the streamliners, North American passenger trains were not particularly colorful. Most sleeping cars were Pullman green, although there were exceptions; both the Pennsylvania and Canadian Pacific utilized shades of red on their passenger equipment, for example. With the arrival of streamlined lightweight equipment as of the late 1930s, […]
