Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Atlas Classic HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP7 diesel locomotive. You’ll first learn about the prototype GP7, which was produced from 1949 to 1954, and specifics about Burlington Northern no. 1554, originally Great Northern no. 654. Cody highlights key features like factory-installed MU hoses, body-mounted plastic couplers , and wire grab irons. The review […]
CHICAGO — For the first time in six years, the Operation North Pole train for seriously and terminally ill children and their families is set to operate on Metra on Dec. 20, with Metra and Operation North Pole encouraging area residents to come view the train to show support for those on board. The train […]
CHICAGO — More evidence of the toll Amtrak’s aging locomotive and passenger car fleet is taking on operations was provided in recent days when long-distance and regional trains were canceled or suffered hours-long delays, most shortly after leaving Chicago. The common thread? Problems with electrical head-end power. On Monday, both the westbound California Zephyr and […]
SAGINAW, Mich. — Lake State Railway Co., the Michigan regional railroad, today announced that it is purchasing four SD70ACe-T4 locomotives from Progress Rail. LSRC received an emissions grant to replace five older locomotives with four newer Tier 4 locomotives. The railroad says it chose the SD70ACe-T4 built by EMD successor Progress Rail due to several […]
FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway will dramatically increase its track inspection capabilities early next year with the systemwide deployment of locomotive-based sensors that analyze track geometry while pulling trains in revenue service. BNSF developed its ODIN system — which stands for Onboard Defect Identification & Notification — entirely in-house in 2023. The system relies […]
During the latter half of the 1920s the single expansion articulated locomotive had evolved into a very capable machine. It could lug a heavy train over mountain grades, and in flat terrain it could run at the same speed as a 2-8-2. But railroad locomotive superintendents grappled with an unanswered question. Could a simple articulated […]
TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission has opened its newest rail transit line, the 10.3-kilometer (6.4-mile), 18-station Line 6 Finch West. The light rail line launched service on Sunday, Dec. 7, offering connection to TTC’s subway Line 1 (University-Yonge), 30 TTC bus routes and other regional transit systems. Regional transit agency Metrolinx says in a […]
It was a sad day when those 1950s E7, E8, and assorted FP units reached the point where they were clearly reaching the end of their operational life. Their long car bodies and gentle curved noses symbolized North American passenger train travel. Both EMD and General Electric offered replacement models with varied results. The best […]
Freight Car Class: Lesson 4, Airbrushing Techniques | Unlock the versatility of your airbrush to transform stock models into realistic, weathered railroad replicas! This segment of the freight car series shows you how to use an airbrush for effects like faded paint, dust, grime, and rust. Learn how to work your double-action airbrush, how to thin paint […]
PUEBLO, Colo. — Dr. Rand Ghayad, the Association of American Railroads’ senior vice president of policy and economics, will be the keynote speaker at the 31st annual AAR Research Review, hosted by MxV Rail in Pueblo on April 28-30, 2026. Ghayad will open the conference by addressing policy and economic issues shaping the rail industry […]
CHICAGO — Metra will open an online merchandise store on Wednesday, Dec. 10, offering Metra-branded merchandise such as replica station signs, T-shirts and hoodies, and mugs and water bottles. It is the first time the commuter rail operator has offered such products for sale. “This new store is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen […]
SQUAMISH, British Columbia — The Railway Museum of British Columbia has received a $50,000 Heritage Legacy Fund grant from Heritage BC to assist with work on its car shop. The museum matched the grant, netting $100,000 for the project. The grant funds the reconstruction of the shop’s five rail doors. Each 14- by 22-foot door […]
