Fast-charging technology of Britain’s Vivarail finds buyer

Former London subway equipment converted for intercity use

The insolvency administrators trying to sell Vivarail, the British passenger train re-manufacturing company previously backed by Pittsburgh-based Railroad Development Corp., have succeeded in selling the company’s innovative fast battery-charging system. That system, called FastCharge, which will be tested in passenger service in London later this year. Vivarail was founded in 2013 by British rail industry […]

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Following referendum, Quebec town plans to fight bypass

Fire-damaged town and derailed train

FRONTENAC, Quebec — The results of a Sunday referendum showing strong opposition to the proposed Lac-Mégantic bypass mean the municipality of Frontenac will do everything it can to fight the rail-line relocation, Frontenac’s mayor said Monday. Mayor Gaby Gendron told the Canadian Press “it’s absolutely certain the municipal council will oppose the project by all […]

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Metra faces delay in plan for battery conversion of F40s

Locomotive rounds curve at station

CHICAGO — Metra’s plan to convert at least three of its oldest F40PH-3 diesel locomotives to battery power is on hold after the commuter operator was “not able to secure an agreement” on a contract, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Friday. Derwinski, responding to a question during a joint presentation with South Shore President/General […]

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Northern Central Railway profile

Northern Central Railway logo

With the mission of delivering historical, educational and entertaining experiences on an excursion railroad, the Northern Central Railway operates over 10 miles of the previous incarnation that Abraham Lincoln rode on the way to deliver his Gettysburg Address, and also the route of his funeral train two years later. This history is brought to life by […]

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Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad profile

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad follows Oil Creek through the nation’s first oil patch, where oil was discovered by Edwin L. Drake in 1859. The train passes a number of ghost towns — villages that sprang up during the oil boom and quickly faded after the rush. Choices On the Oil Creek and Titusville […]

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Black River and Western Railroad profile

Black River and Western Railroad logo

The Black River and Western Railroad, which also hauls freight, hosts 90-minute passenger excursions (operated by the nonprofit Black River Railroad Historical Trust) over a short segment of the former Pennsylvania Railroad’s Flemington Branch between Flemington and Ringoes, and the shorter Browne Station local from Ringoes over 2.5 miles of recently reopened track. Choices In […]

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News & Products for the week of February 20th 2023

News & Products for the week of February 20th 2023: an image of a model flat car with mystery balloon load

News & Products for the week of February 20th 2023 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 20th 2023. […]

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Big South Fork Scenic Railway profile

Big South Fork Scenic Railway logo

In the 20th century, short lines and branches brought forth coal for use nationwide, and one of the primary locations was Stearns, home of the Kentucky & Tennessee short line. The coal is gone now, but the K&T has been reborn as the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Choices The Big South Fork Scenic Railway […]

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Union Pacific, two unions reach agreement on paid sick leave

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has become the second Class I railroad to reach an agreement offering paid sick days to some employees, the railroad has announced. “Union Pacific remains committed to addressing our employees’ concerns and signed a deal with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO) and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC),” […]

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