Make a glowing Atomic Energy Commission ore car

glowing model ore car in low light

Recently, CTT received a box of rolling stock review samples from Ready Made Toys (RMT). Though, there was something about the ore car that caught my attention. The color of the simulated ore reminded me of the glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint you can purchase in craft stores. Wouldn’t it be neat to have a string of […]

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Join the 2026 Trains tour of the Southwest

Silver and yellow locomotives at the front of a passenger train

2026 Southwestern Rail Adventure Embark on a fully private car journey through the majestic landscapes of the American Southwest, where red rock canyons and desert vistas come alive under endless blue skies. Discover iconic national parks, ancient pueblos, and vibrant local culture as you travel in comfort and style. Experience the spirit of the Southwest […]

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Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car

Color photo showing B end of HO scale tank car painted black with white graphics on white background

Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $54.99 Era: 1970s+ to 1990+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car features: 70- or 100-ton screw-mounted, roller-bearing trucks with rotating bearing caps Based on 20,000-gallon prototype Body-mounted McHenry double-shelf […]

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Cathcart Rail rebrands as Guardian Rail

Logo of Guardian Rail, formerly Cathcart Rail

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cathcart Rail, which provides a range of freight rail services, has rebranded itself as Guardian Rail as of today (Oct. 27, 2025). The company says the rebrand reflects its focus on safety, consistency and operational excellence, while setting the tone for a new chapter of growth, clarity, and purpose. “We’re doing more […]

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A fishy call in the night

Yellow and orange diesel locomotives switching a yard. A fishy call in the night.

Being a safety supervisor at a small regional railroad entailed more than being a statistician. When promoted to the position on the Maine Central in early 1982, I was part of a two-man team, tasked with promoting safety. This required meeting train crews, riding with them, learning the rudiments of their tasks; talking with engineering […]

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News photo: Pennsylvania & Southern locomotive marks USA 250th anniversary

Red, white, and blue end-cab switcher

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. —Pennsylvania & Southern has joined the small but growing number of short line and regional railroads commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The railroad serving the Cumberland Valley Business Park, midway between Harrisburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md., which already had a red, white & blue paint scheme for its diesels, […]

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CSX coal train derails in Virginia (updated)

Man walking on railroad bridge with derailed coal hoppers visible in distance

PROVIDENCE FORGE, Va. — No injuries were reported as two locomotives and 53 cars of a CSX coal train derailed today (Saturday, Oct. 25) in New Kent County, Va., near the unincorporated community of Providence Forge. The New Kent County Sheriff’s Office first reported the incident on social media about 3:10 p.m., reporting that coal […]

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WalthersProto HO EMD NW2 review

Color photo of HO scale end-cab switcher painted yellow and gray with red graphics on scenicked based with a sky blue backdrop.

An Electro-Motive Division NW2 has joined the ranks of the WalthersProto line. The newly tooled HO scale model, based on Phase I through IV prototypes, uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and features railroad-specific details, a factory-installed 11mm x 15mm cube-type speaker in both direct current and Digital Command Control versions, and body-mounted Proto-Max metal […]

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NTSB investigating fatal grade-crossing accident in Elgin, Ill.

National Transportation Safety Board logo

ELGIN, Ill. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fatal collision on Thursday in Elgin involving a Union Pacific locomotive and a landscaping company pickup truck, the agency announced on social media. One person was killed and two were injured in the collision at the State Street grade crossing in Elgin, the Daily […]

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News photos: Breakthrough moment for Silver Line

Yellow and white diesel multiple-unit trainset breaks through banner in ceremony

ADDISON, Texas — In ceremonies today (Friday, Oct. 24), Dallas Area Rapid Transit marked the completion of its commuter rail Silver Line, with one of the route’s Stadler FLIRT trainsets breaking through a banner at the Addison station at the conclusion of a ride for invited guests from the Cypress Waters station in Dallas. The […]

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Front Range Passenger Rail District names Pace as general manager

Logo of the Front Range Passenger Rail District

DENVER — Salvatore (Sal) Pace has been named as the new general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District, the agency charged with developing a rail passenger operation between Fort Collins and Trinidad, Colo. Pace is a former minority leader of the Colorado House of Representatives and Pueblo County Commissioner. The district says he […]

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