How to choose a toy train command system

Power pack, straight track section, and power connection.

Command control systems allow more ways than ever to operate your toy train today, and if you’re new (or you’ve been away from the hobby), choosing a system might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s review the choices, along with their pros and cons.  Conventional “Conventional” operation means you use a transformer […]

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Tri-Rail to consider 10% fare increase to address deficit

Light blue locomotive with images of clouds and palm trees on its side at grade crossing

MIAMI — Commuter operator Tri-Rail will consider the possibility of a 10% fare increase later this year as part of its effort to address a looming budget deficit. At a Jan. 23 meeting of Tri-Rail’s governing board, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, board members asked staff to review the potential increase. The Palm Beach […]

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Amtrak weather cancellations continue

Passenger train behind electric locomotive in snow

NEW YORK — Amtrak is not offering an overview on service cancellations for today (Monday, Jan. 26) in the wake of the weekend’s winter storm on its website or social media, but here is the initial information gathered by Trains.com as of 7:45 a.m. CT. The train status feature of Amtrak’s website shows these cancellations […]

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Northeast transit systems recovering from storm (updated)

Snow blower clearing railroad tracks

Transit systems in the northeast continue to alter operations as a result of the severe storm that reached the area on Sunday, with large-scale suspensions on some systems and lesser impacts elsewhere. Here is the situation as of 7:15 a.m. CT today (Monday, Jan. 26): NJ Transit commuter rail service will resume at noon ET […]

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Amtrak experiences significant cancellations in Northeast

Amtrak logo.

NEW YORK — Amtrak continues to add to train cancellations as a major winter storm moves across the Midwest and Northeast. Although it no longer offers a comprehensive summary on its website, it has acknowledged these cancellations in the Midwest as of 11:30 a.m. CT on the Amtrak Alerts social media feeds. All are attributed […]

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Amtrak storm cancellations expand to include eastern trains

Train stopped at station in snow

NEW YORK — Amtrak has added additional trains to its list of those canceled because of the major winter storm moving across the central and eastern U.S., with extensive additions for Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25 Canceled today (Friday, Jan. 23), in addition to those previously announced, have been the Crescent between Atlanta […]

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LED Upgrade: MTH Premier full-length dome

Dome car lit up in the dark

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” At least, that was my thought process when I received this MTH Premier Norfolk & Western 18-inch, full-length dome car. Though a beautiful model from 2004, it came with older, 18V lamp bulbs. Initial track power testing immediately revealed several issues: Lights only turning on in the lower […]

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