UP says Metra will take over commuter operations in April

Two commuter trains meet on curve

OMAHA, Neb. — The slow-moving process transferring operations of three Metra commuter lines from Union Pacific to the commuter operator is projected to take place in mid-April, UP said on Monday. Transfer of some engineering services would follow, UP said. Mechanical and station agent services, along with some management, have already been transferred. Financial aspects […]

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Missouri Pacific passenger trains remembered

Diesel locomotives with passenger train in coach yard

Rock Island passenger trains: All through February 2025, Classic Trains editors are celebrating the history and heritage of the Missouri Pacific. Please enjoy this photo gallery of Missouri Pacific passenger trains, originally published online in December 2020. […]

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Two Union Pacific trains derail in Nebraska (updated)

Burning containers at site of train derailment

DIX, Nebraska — Two Union Pacific trains derailed today about 150 miles apart on the railroad’s Overland Route main line in Nebraska, with a fire resulting from one of the incidents. KNOP-TV reports that several fire departments responded to a derailment in Dix, about 30 miles from the Wyoming state line, at 6:50 a.m. The […]

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Tips for modeling station signs

Color photo of gray metal building with doors, windows, and brick chimney.

Q: I’m working on adding lineside details to my freelance model railroad. I’d like to add station signs to help my operators identify various locations on the layout. Though I’m not modeling a specific prototype, I want the signs to look realistic. Where can I find information on prototype station signs? — Bobby T. A: […]

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Rail union, Oregon officials question lease of UP trackage to short line

WASHINGTON — The SMART-TD union has urged federal regulators to reject Union Pacific’s plan to lease nearly 28 miles of track in the Eugene, Ore., area to Genesee & Wyoming short line Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad. “This transaction raises significant concerns related to the region’s infrastructure, service quality, economic sustainability, and the broader impact […]

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UP’s Daylight Livestock

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Among the best-known dedicated livestock trains was the Union Pacific’s Daylight Livestock, train 299. It’s heading west on Cajon Pass behind a matched set of new Alco FAs in 1951. Donald Sims photo […]

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Union Pacific begins demolition of Sparks, Nev., machine shop

Aerial view of large brick builiding at rail yard

SPARKS, Nev. — Union Pacific has begun demolition on the former Southern Pacific machine shop in Sparks, a building that predates the city, KTVN-TV reports. The railroad and city have also updated plans for when community members can claim bricks from the historic structure as a keepsake. The bricks will now be available while supplies […]

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Piggyback publicity

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A driver backs a brand-new 40-foot Union Pacific trailer into position on a likewise-new 85-foot flatcar in a 1959 publicity shot. The trailer was one of 10 new insulated trailers from Utility, and the flatcars were among 100 new UP cars equipped with two ACF hitches. Union Pacific photo […]

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