Strong winds gum up BNSF’s Southern Transcon

FORT WORTH, Texas — Persistent, strong winds have caused congestion on BNSF Railway’s Southern Transcon, the railroad said in a customer service advisory on Thursday, March 20. “The BNSF network is currently experiencing challenges, particularly on the Southern Transcon, due to excessive and extended winds exceeding 75 mph that have impacted service consistency, alongside unexpected […]

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Canadian ports facing container delays from weather, rail issues

Delays are hampering intermodal operations at several container ports in North America as weather and rail woes hit gateways on both coasts, according to a DHL port update for March. On the east coast, Canada’s Port of Halifax is seeing significant vessel delays due to harsh North Atlantic weather conditions. Compounding this issue is an […]

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Santa Clara VTA asks governor to intervene in strike

White light rail train at station

SAN JOSE — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene in the strike that enters its second week today (March 17, 2025). In a letter released on Saturday, March 15, the VTA has asked Newsom to appoint a Board of Investigation, which, under a section of the state […]

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Weather, fires disrupt Texas Eagle and Southwest Chief routes

Baggage cart next to bilevel passenger train at station

CHICAGO — Miles of downed trees and power lines through rural Missouri and Arkansas over the weekend resulted in half-day delays or truncations for two Texas Eagles. Meanwhile, a Los Angeles-bound Southwest Chief sat for 8 hours in New Mexico when a wind-driven brush fire blocked the right-of-way. Texas Eagle challenges  A Washington Post storm […]

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NTSB investigating incident at Port of Stockton

Two red end-cab switchers with "Port of Stockton" sign in background

STOCKTON, Calif. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an injury accident that occurred earlier this week at the Port of Stockton, the agency said today (March 14, 2025). The accident occurred on Tuesday, March 11, during a re-railing operation, the board said on social media. KOVR-TV reports the NTSB declined to provide information […]

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Built by Others: Adam Palmer’s San Juan Central Version 2

A model railroad layout assembled at a convention center

Built by Others is an article series showcasing layouts constructed by modelers using plans and projects from the pages of Model Railroader and its related products. Malcolm Furlow’s HOn3 San Juan Central layout first appeared in a multi-part series in the pages of Model Railroader between 1983 and 1984. Adam Palmer’s San Juan Central V2 […]

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Santa Clara VTA seeks court order to end strike

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority logo

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is going to court in an effort to end a strike by more than 1,500 of its workers. Public broadcaster KQED reports the VTA has filed a complaint in Santa Clara County Superior Court alleging the strike is a breach of contract and an act […]

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Santa Clara VTA shut down by strike

Light rail train at station platform

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A strike by members of the Amalgamated Transit Union has shut down the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority as of 12:01 a.m. today (March 10). The union, which represents 1,500 VTA employees, including light rail and bus operators, dispatchers, and maintenance staff, had announced its intent to strike last week [see […]

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