The MTH RailKing SD70ACe and caboose aren’t a set with a bunch of cars and track and a transformer. But they do make a great pair! The RailKing Imperial SD70ACe and a nice bay-window van (Product no. 30-20954-1) as they call them in Canada are available in a variety of roadnames. This set is decorated […]
Type of Train: Freight
Rail unions again request arbitration as contract talks remain stuck
Rail unions negotiating new national contracts with Class I railroads have again requested arbitration as talks remain stalled. Labor and the National Carriers Conference Committee have been working on joint mediated negotiations under the direction of the National Mediation Board. The talks had resulted from the unions’ request to be released from mediation after more […]
Service problems related to crew shortage have cost CSX traffic
NEW YORK – CSX Transportation has lost traffic and failed to capitalize on strong freight demand due to service problems related to its ongoing train crew shortage, CEO Jim Foote says. “How much business are we missing? Lots. This is not minimal. This is not on the fringes. We’re not doing the job we should […]
NEWS VIDEO: New Brightline route drawbridge now operating
Video by Mark Elias, Mark Elias Media Services JUPITER, Fla. — Florida East Coast Railway’s new Loxahatchee River drawbridge that will begin carrying frequent Brightline passenger trains in early 2023 is now being raised for boat traffic and lowered for trains. Dismantling of the former 96-year-old bridge on the site began in mid-April, when accommodations […]
Railroads’ automotive carloads show signs of improvement: Analysis
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Class I railroads are hauling more automotive carloads, a possible sign that the auto sector’s supply chain is improving. Association of American Railroads’ weekly carload report reveals in recent weeks that shipments of motor vehicles and parts are exceeding 2020 and 2021 weekly volumes. This could ease a multi-year carload deficit dragged […]
FRA announces CRISI grants for 46 rail improvement projects in 32 states
WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration on Thursday announced more than $368 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program funds to 46 projects in 32 states and the District of Columbia. The grants were awarded to passenger and freight projects, as well as several technology and safety development programs. The Bipartisan […]
3 people in hot air balloon injured in collision with CN freight train
BURLINGTON, Wis. — Three occupants of a hot air balloon sustained life-threatening injuries when their craft collided with a Canadian National freight train on Wednesday night. At 8:15 p.m. on June 1 the Burlington Police Department responded to the 400 block of Calumet Street after receiving a report that a balloon had been struck by […]
U.S. rail traffic declines in May
WASHINGTON – U.S. rail traffic dipped 3.7% in May as both intermodal and carloads slumped compared to last year. U.S. railroads originated 928,742 carloads in May 2022, down 35,821 carloads from May 2021, the Association of American Railroads reported on June 1. U.S. railroads also originated 1,102,558 containers and trailers in May 2022, down 4.3%, […]
Siemens leaves Russian market as result of Ukraine war
Multifaceted manufacturing firm Siemens has announced plans to leave Russia after over 170 years. The move is part of the continuing response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine [see “War in Ukraine sees massive rail destruction …,” Trains News Wire, June 1, 2022]. Siemens Chief Executive Officer Roland Busch said in a May press statement: […]
CSX begins operating New England regional Pan Am Railways
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Pan Am Railways is now a fallen flag. The New England regional officially became part of CSX Transportation on Wednesday, six weeks after the Surface Transportation Board approved the acquisition. “We are excited to welcome Pan Am’s experienced railroaders into the CSX family and look forward to the improvements we will make […]
War in Ukraine sees massive rail destruction, passenger trains reinstated, armored trains
Ukrainian rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) has continued to operate services across the country despite Russian attacks which have damaged both tracks and electrical equipment used to provide traction current. Railways continue be a major part of the war for both Ukraine and Russia. Here’s a look at recent events: UZ faces employee deaths, significant damage […]
NS gets final approval for double-stack clearance projects in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Norfolk Southern has received final approval for clearance projects that will allow double-track container traffic to move on one of its routes through Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday accepted the final portion of an agreement reached by a mediator in December 2019. That agreement will allow three […]