Hornby: Book of Collectable Toys

cover of book with toys on it

Frank Hornby, British businessman and inventor born in 1863, is a name known across the globe for model trains and toys alike. This book, Hornby: Book of Collectable Toys, takes a deep dive into the history of the Hornby manufacturing company and its many subsidiaries. This book isn’t just about model trains–it includes all of […]

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Riding Amtrak’s Palmetto

Passenger train at a station platform

Summary: This article discusses riding Amtrak’s Palmetto, which runs an 829-mile route between New York City and Savannah, Georgia. It highlights the Palmetto‘s unique characteristics as a long-distance train without dining cars or sleeping accommodations. The article also delves into the train’s history, including its origins in 1976, its various route changes and service adjustments […]

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Tornado derails BNSF train in Nebraska (updated)

BNSF Railway logo

ASHBY, Neb. — A tornado is being blamed for derailing an empty BNSF coal train on Sunday evening (April 27, 2025) near the town of Ashby, News Channel Nebraska reports. The derailment was reported about 6:27 p.m. CT, and involved the derailment of about 130 cars. The lead locomotive was not affected, and the two […]

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California Senate committee advances bill limiting train length

Freight train with yellow locomotives in mountains

SACRAMENTO — California legislation that would limit train lengths and require wayside detectors cleared its first hurdle in the state legislature last week, advancing through the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications. The bill, which advanced by a 12-4 vote on April 21 with one committee member not voting, was introduced in February by […]

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Amtrak schedule revisions to begin on Empire Service route

Passengers crowd station platform next to train

NEW YORK — After two reprieves, Amtrak service changes on its Empire Service route north of New York City are set to begin on Monday, April 28. The schedule revision will see suspension of one round trip: train No. 238, an 11:40 a.m. departure from Albany, and No. 235, a 3:15 p.m. train from Penn […]

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Kansas City Union Station

A black and white vintage aerial photograph of Kansas City Union Station

  At the turn of the 20th century, the citizens and serving railroads of Kansas City, Mo., yearned to revamp how passengers arrived and disembarked from the growing gateway city along the Missouri River. The 1878-built Union Depot in the West Bottoms district couldn’t keep up with the thriving rail traffic and local desire to […]

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After first-month issues, MBTA extends free weekend South Coast Rail trips

Commuter train at station

BOSTON — After a bumpy first month include delays, cancellations, and bus substitutions, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has announced it will extend its introductory free weekend travel offer on the South Coast Rail extension through May. The 37-mile addition to the MBTA’s commuter rail launched March 24, adding six new stations and bringing rail […]

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Emergency repairs to halt Amtrak, Metrolink service through San Clemente, Calif., as of April 28

Train passing retaining wall in beach area

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and service on two Metrolink commuter lines will see disruptions starting this Monday, April 28, as the Surf Line is closed in San Clemente to allow for emergency repairs. The work is expected to last approximately six weeks. For the Pacific Surfliners, modified service will continue between San […]

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Atlas announces “Price Lock” program in response to tariff instability

Atlas "Price Lock" program: The logo for Atlas Model Railroad co.

Atlas Model Railroad Co. has announced the roll out of a new Price Lock program, effective through May 31, 2025, as a response to market uncertainty brought on by the rollout of U.S. tariffs. “We know our partners are navigating a rapidly changing market. This decision is about providing them time, clarity, and trust,” said […]

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Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: Challenging Times yet Times for Celebration

Crowds take pictures of steam locomotive on turntable

Rail preservation often comes with challenges, and the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) is no exception. Yet despite challenging times, the organization continues to find times for celebration — especially with the continued success of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland and the iconic locomotives it protects. The foundation’s story began in the 1990s […]

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LA Airport Transit Center to open June 6

Map of new transit terminal for LAX airport and connecting peoplemover

LOS ANGELES — A long-discussed direct rail connection to Los Angeles International Airport is not quite here, but it’s getting closer. LA Metro’s LAX Transit Center — which will eventually provide a connection to a people mover serving airport terminals — will open on June 6, the transit agency announced at an April 24 board […]

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