New non-profit paves way for railroading and preservation’s future

Young individual tends to a fire inside the cab of a steam locomotive.

Railroad-related non-profit organizations are typically dedicated to preservation and educating others about the past. One such non-profit, however, is focused on the future of railroading and rail preservation: Next Generation Railroaders (NGR). Bridging the Gap, Passing the Torch The future of both industries depends on the next generation, but transferring knowledge and passion isn’t always […]

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UP announces locomotive honoring Abraham Lincoln

Side-view illustration of red, maroon, and gray locomotive.

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has marked Presidents Day by announcing plans for a locomotive to honor the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who signed the legislation authorizing construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, leading to UP’s creation. The paint scheme of locomotive No. 1616 will feature “the unique colors of Lincoln’s era,” UP said in […]

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News & Products for the week of February 17th 2025

A blue model boxcar from the front end of the model

News & Products for the week of February 17th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of February 17th, […]

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VIA’s Oceans delayed overnight; make rare daytime trip

Canadian passenger train at snow-covered station platform

MONTREAL — With the province of Quebec walloped by at least 15 inches of snow in the last few days followed by plunging temperatures, VIA Rail Canada management delayed Sunday’s eastbound and westbound Montreal-Halifax Ocean by 13 hours rather than cancel one of the trains. Additional blowing snow — about 27 inches is now on […]

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South Dakota resolution calls for support for Amtrak service

Map of rail route between Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul through South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. — A resolution in the South Dakota House is calling for support of the state’s congressional delegation and the Trump Administration for Amtrak service in the state. House Resolution 6008 is sponsored by Rep. Tim Goodwin, a Republican who represents the 30th District, in the state’s southwestern corner. It was introduced on Feb. […]

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Former NJ Transit coaches boost Pacific Surfliner

Passenger train in morning light running next to ocean

LOS ANGELES — To help provide additional equipment for Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains, the service’s operating agency has turned to using seven rebuilt, ex-New Jersey Transit Comet 1B coaches for the past seven months. The Comet 1B coaches, which arrived in Los Angeles in June of 2024, were originally part of a larger, 14-car purchase […]

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Reduced Sounder service to continue until further notice

Commuter train led by cab car on bridge

SEATTLE — Reduction of Sounder commuter rail service will continue until further notice, Sound Transit has announced. Two of the four round trips on the N Line between Seattle and Everett have been suspended, as have two of the 13 round trips on the S line between Seattle and Tacoma/Lakewood. The revised schedules are available […]

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Steamtown National Historic Site employees dismissed

Steam locomotive moving between buildings

SCRANTON, Pa. — Five employees at Steamtown National Historic Site have been dismissed as part of cuts to National Park Service employees by the Trump administration, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. David Fitzpatrick, an official with two locals of the American Federation of Government Employees, told the newspaper another five were dismissed at Gettysburg National Military […]

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BNSF train derails in northeastern Montana (updated)

BNSF Railway logo

POPLAR, Mont. — Approximately a dozen cars of a BNSF freight train derailed today (Feb. 16, 2025) near the town of Poplar, KRTV-TV reports. No injuries were reported. The incident occurred about 7 a.m. near U.S. Route 2; video on the KRTV website showed several grain hoppers that have spilled their load. According to the […]

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