New model trains for the week of May 18, 2017

HO scale locomotives Illinois Central Paducah, Ky.,-rebuilt GP10 diesel locomotive. New paint schemes: Arizona & Eastern (Genesee & Wyoming scheme, two road numbers), Bloomer Line (two numbers), Carlton Trail Ry. (four numbers), Central Kansas Ry. (Okanagan Valley Ry. patchout, two numbers), Gulf & Mississippi (one number), Hudson Bay Ry. (one number), Louisiana & Delta (Genesee […]

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New model trains for the week of May 11, 2017

HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP39-2 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern (two road numbers); BNSF Ry. (Burlington Northern patchout in two numbers); Delaware & Hudson (blue and yellow and blue with yellow nose in two numbers each); Missouri-Kansas-Texas; and Union Pacific. Four numbers per scheme unless noted. Direct-current model, $179.98; with […]

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Train watching in the 1960s

What would it have been like to spend one day at a perfect train-watching spot in the 1950s and 1960s? This 30-page download takes you back in time, with contributors sharing their experiences from memorable trips across the United States. This free guide provides plenty of pictures, too, with classic railroad photos from a bygone […]

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The Salt Lake Route, Part 1: The inspiration for a small layout

The rugged mountain desert scenery of the Meadow Valley Wash provides a picturesque backdrop for trains on the N scale Union Pacific Salt Lake Route. The 4 x 9-foot model railroad, built by retired managing editor Dick Christianson, features Kato Unitrack with superelevated curves. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno and graphic designer Drew Halverson […]

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Amtrak begins new Thruway shuttle service to Phoenix NEWSWIRE

PHOENIX — Beginning May 1, Amtrak began operating a Thruway bus connecting service in Maricopa, Ariz., for passengers traveling on the tri-weekly Sunset Limited-Texas Eagle service wanting to travel to the Tempe and Phoenix areas. Stagecoach Express is operating the shuttle service on the days the Sunset Limited operates through Maricopa. Thruway stops include: • […]

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Big Boy braking power

Ten hoppers coupled to the Big Boy consist in January 2014 were used for additional braking power. Steve Sweeney Q Why was there a string of hopper cars in the consist moving Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 from Pomona to West Colton, Calif., in January 2014? – David Tritenbach, Kerrville, Texas A Although Union […]

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Locomotives

Locomotives are the power behind the rail industry, and capturing the perfect photo of a locomotive is no small feat. That’s why Trains magazine is offering this 40-page special download all about locomotives. This free PDF includes an in-depth guide to rail-fanning in Los Angeles, where there’s no shortage of activity from the likes of Union Pacific, […]

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UP is accepting production SD70ACe-T4s again NEWSWIRE

Union Pacific SD70ACe-T4s Nos. 3016 and 3027 haul CWKBT9-14 through Stanwood, Iowa, on April 15. SD70ACe-T4 No. 3019 was on the rear in distributed power mode. Craig Williams CHICAGO — Union Pacific began accepting their SD70ACe-T4 s from Progress Rail for a second time this month. Delivery of the order to Union Pacific began initially […]

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WalthersMainline HO scale Plymouth ML-8

WalthersMainline HO Plymouth ML-8 switcher Small switchers, such as this Plymouth ML-8 modeled by Walthers, toiled away for decades at various trackside industries and railroad shops. The WalthersMainline model captures the look of its prototype “critter” and features impressive power for such a diminutive locomotive. The model is available in direct-current (DC) or Digital Command […]

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