Farmer reiterates that BNSF has ‘no interest’ in merger

Two seated women facing each other in on-stage talk

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — BNSF Railway CEO Katie Farmer still doesn’t see further rail industry consolidation as inevitable if a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger is approved. Just the fact that the topic keeps being discussed could be taken as an argument against the merger, Farmer said in a conversation with Trains prior to her appearance today […]

Read More…

CPKC, BNSF CEOs urge shippers to speak out on UP-NS merger

Woman gesturing in front of sign with large white letters

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The CEOs of Canadian Pacific Kansas City and BNSF Railway took aim at the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger during the first day of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers winter meeting — and urged the rail customers in attendance to voice any concerns they may have to federal regulators. CPKC CEO […]

Read More…

American Freedom Train No. 1 unveiled after cosmetic restoration

Black steam locomotive with U.S. flags in background. American Freedom Train No. 1 unveiled.

BALTIMORE — Following the completion of a year-long cosmetic restoration, American Freedom Train locomotive No. 1 was unveiled to the public in a special ceremony at the B&O Railroad Museum on Jan. 12. The engine pulled the American Freedom Train in the Northeast during its 1975-76 tour commemorating the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the nation’s […]

Read More…

Pacific Surfliner adds 13th LA-San Diego round trip

Passenger train departs station, as seen from bridge

ORANGE, Calif. — Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will add a 13th daily Los Angeles-San Diego round trip on Jan. 26, restoring operation to pre-pandemic levels, the LOSSAN Corridor Agency announced today (Jan. 13, 2026). Added will be a 7:01 a.m. departure from San Diego, arriving at LA Union Station at 9:57 a.m., and a 7:10 p.m. […]

Read More…

Train service resumes on Coast Line

Passenger train running along beach

GAVIOTA, Calif. — Train service has resumed on Union Pacific’s Coast Line north of Santa Barbara following a week-long closure because of a washout. Southbound Pacific Surfliner No. 774 left San Luis Obispo as scheduled at 6:11 a.m. local time today (Jan. 13), the first of two daily Surfliner round trips between San Luis Obispo and […]

Read More…

Two arrested for ‘surfing’ atop San Diego commuter train

View from above of commuter train with Pacific Ocean in background.

SAN DIEGO — Two San Diego-area 18-year-olds have been arrested after allegedly “train surfing” on the top of a Coaster commuter train last week. KNSD-TV reports the San Diego Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, Jan. 12, that it had arrested Joseph Medina-Rivera of El Cajon and Brad Ellgen of Oceanside after numerous reports from the […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD38-2 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD38-2 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]

Read More…

CSX completes upgrades to expand Ohio’s Willard Yard

WILLARD, Ohio — CSX Transportation has added merchandise capacity at its Willard, Ohio, rail yard after phased improvements helped convert the idled hump yard to a flat switching facility. Railroad officials say the former Baltimore & Ohio terminal can now handle 600 railcars per day, up from 300  two years ago. CSX shut down the […]

Read More…

Union Pacific adds GPS tracking for intermodal customers

Green containers on double-stack cars

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific, in coordination with supply chain technology group Blume Global, has added GPS tracking to its fleet of 53-foot EMP and UMAX intermodal containers assigned to domestic intermodal service. The containers, owned in partnership with other Class I railroads, now represent the largest GPS-equipped, rail-owned container fleet in North America. The […]

Read More…