Summer rail travel tips and challenges Amtrak has a problem and it’s too much travel demand for the equipment assigned on its long distance-routes. This translates to a difficult summer for U.S. travelers seeking to ride the rails. In addition, since the company utilizes inventory “yield management” — in which fares rise as seats or […]
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Intermodal startup envisions autonomous double-stack trains and terminals
HOUSTON — The race to develop autonomous freight railroad systems has another entrant: Autonomous Intermodal LLC on Wednesday announced that it’s working on a new intermodal system that would automate trains and terminals. The backbone of AIM’s system is an integral 4,000-foot double-stack train and 9,000-horsepower locomotive. Each 4,000-foot double-stack platform can be combined into […]
Anacostia names Ferryman as chief operating officer
CHICAGO — Anacostia Rail Holdings has named David W. Ferryman to the newly created position of chief operating officer, effective today (June 15). Ferryman will be based in Chicago and report to CEO Peter Gilbertson. “We are very excited to have Dave join our team,” Gilbertson said in a press release. “He has held a […]
Union, West Coast ports announce new labor deal
SAN FRANCISCO — The Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union have reached a tentative labor agreement covering 29 West Coast ports, ending more than a year of negotiations in a dispute that had seen work stoppages at major ports of entry. The settlement has major implications for the rail industry given the […]
Minnesota highway remains closed from May 31 derailment
LANCASTER, Minn. — A section of U.S. Route 59 remains closed near the Canadian border more than two weeks after the derailment of a CPKC freight train, and clean-up efforts will keep it closed for most of another week. The derailment of 24 cars of the CPKC train took place on May 31 about 9½ […]
Noted rail designer Vergara offers his take on new CPKC paint scheme
RIDGEFIELD, Conn. —Today, June 15, is the last day employees of the recently merged Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern can vote to select one of five new locomotive paint schemes proposed by CPKC management [see “CPKC employees will select railway’s new locomotive livery,” Trains News Wire, June 5, 2023] In the meantime, acclaimed rail […]
Donald G. Curry, longtime Seashore Trolley Museum restoration manager, dies at 87
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — Donald G. Curry, who devoted 70 years of his life to Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine, ultimately serving as its restoration manager, died June 9 at the age of 87. Curry was recognized as a leading authority on streetcar and interurban restoration. In 2014, he was honored with a lifetime achievement […]
Canadian government approves land expropriation for Lac-Mégantic bypass
LAC-MÉGANTIC, Quebec — Transport Canada’s request to expropriate land for the planned rail bypass around Lac-Mégantic has been approved, the Canadian government announced Wednesday, setting the stage for the government to take possession of the land on Aug. 1. “We understand how this may be difficult for some,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a […]
Transportation Safety Board of Canada remains concerned about uncontrolled rail movements
GATINEAU, Quebec — Matters regarding unplanned or uncontrolled movements of trains or equipment are the primary unresolved matter in the rail industry for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which this week issued its annual assessment of responses to the board’s outstanding safety recommendations. Across air, marine, and rail transportation, the TSB issued 62 recommendations […]
SEPTA picks up more riders on second day after bridge collapse
PHILADELPHIA — Four SEPTA Regional Rail lines saw a ridership increase of 14% on Tuesday, the second day of commuting following the collapse of a bridge on Interstate 95, according to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The Metro Philadelphia news site reports the Trenton, West Trenton, Fox Chase, and Warminster lines had an increase of […]
Rapido Trains HO scale P-S New Haven County-series baggage-lounge cars
Rapido Trains HO scale P-S New Haven County-series baggage-lounge cars: Rapido Trains has been a great friend to New Haven passenger train modelers, providing icons such as the EP-5 electric passenger locomotive, EMD FL9s, and an ever-growing fleet of HO scale NH Pullman-Standard stainless-steel and lightweight Osgood-Bradley passenger cars. The most recent additions are the […]
BNSF donates locomotive to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America
SILVIS, Ill. — BNSF Railway has donated former Santa Fe B40-8W No. 537 to the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA). The unit was delivered to the RRHMA shop in Silvis this week. No. 537 was constructed by General Electric for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe in October 1990 as part of its “Super Fleet” […]