Track classifications

track1

Track classifications are among the most basic — and essential — operating considerations in railroading, and an army of workers keep watch over the rails. You’ve seen them out there nearly every day in their hi-rail trucks, motoring quietly up and down the main and not-so-main lines of America. Perhaps you’ve waited for them to […]

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Steam locomotive No. 765 plays host to young campers

Steam engine crosses railroad crossing

PLEASANT LAKE, Ind. — Nickel Plate Road No. 765 was under steam July 13-15 as the centerpiece of the first Indiana Railcamp in Pleasant Lake. Organized by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society under the Indiana Rail Experience banner, this pilot program hosted 20 campers — ranging between ages 13 and 17 — from the […]

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Maryland tourist railroads you must visit

Steam locomotive with motion blur and mountain scenery.

Baltimore is celebrated as the birthplace of railroading in the United States. However, there’s more to Maryland’s own railroad heritage beyond the major city. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here are the must-visit tourist railroads, museums, and displays across the Old Line State. Maryland Tourist Railroads and Museums Capital Region National Capital Trolley Museum […]

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Indiana tourist railroads you must visit

Steam engine crosses railroad crossing

Whether you’re looking to take a scenic train ride across the “Canal Route” or yearning for the glory days of big steam, the state of Indiana has you covered! From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here are the various tourist railroads, museums, and displays you must visit across the Hoosier State. Indiana Tourist Railroads and […]

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Ottawa light rail line shut down by equipment issue

Red and white light rail train rounds curve

OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa’s O-Train light rail Confederation Line has been shut down until further notice because of a bearing issue discovered during a routine equipment inspection. OC Transpo announced the service interruption about 4:30 p.m. Monday. CTV News reports transit services general manager Renée Amilcar informed city officials the move was made “in an […]

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From the Cab: Locomotive controls then and now

inside of a cab

Locomotive controls Locomotive controls remained fairly standardized since diesels first invaded the roundhouses of America’s railroads in the 1930s. There’s a throttle, a reverser (to determine direction), a handle to control the locomotive’s independent brake, and an automatic brake handle to slow or stop the movement using the air brakes of the entire train. Since […]

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