Five former steam excursion locomotives that left an impact

Articulated steam locomotive rounds curve with passenger excursion train

Steam excursions in the United States are like taking center stage. Star-studded locomotives arrived with some staying while others received curtain calls. Of those that have taken their final bow, here are five former U.S. steam excursion locomotives that left an impact. Grand Trunk Western No. 5629 Excursion service 1959-1973: The class K-4a, 4-6-2 No. […]

Read More…

Senate committee to vote on Railway Safety Act

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — Expect changes today when the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation votes on the Railway Safety Act, the bipartisan bill introduced in March in the wake of the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment. The American Chemistry Council and Association of American Railroads both issued statements Tuesday in favor of an amended version of […]

Read More…

Man arrested after derailment of tank cars in Tacoma, Wash.

Red and white locomotives lead freight train on long bridge

TACOMA, Wash. — A 65-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for tampering with railroad equipment, causing a derailment of tank cars carrying oil in Tacoma’s Tideflats industrial area. The Tacoma News Tribune, which reported the arrest, did not report the man’s name or any additional identifying details. The incident occurred about 7:55 a.m. Tuesday and involved […]

Read More…

VIA Rail Canada sets annual public meeting

New blue, yellow, and silver locomotive

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada will air its annual public meeting via social media on June 7 at 4 p.m. EDT, the passenger operator has announced. The pre-recorded session will feature board chair Françoise Bertrand and Chief Financial Officer Marie-Claude Cardin. It will be carried on VIA’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. Members of the […]

Read More…

Brightline introduces satellite-based internet service from Starlink

Yellow and white streamlined locomotive at station

MIAMI — Brightline passenger service is now featuring wi-fi service provided by Starlink, the satellite-based high speed broadband internet service engineered by SpaceX. It becomes the first rail operator to use the service, already used by some aviation and marine firms, as well as businesses and residences. “Brightline will be the first train sets in […]

Read More…

Amtrak preparing procurement plans for new maintenance facilities

Men working on passenger car in shop

WASHINGTON — Amtrak is preparing plans for new maintenance facilities in Seattle, Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., and is providing advance notice of its procurement plans to allow companies time to prepare bids for those projects. The facilities will handle maintenance, repairs, inspections, and cleaning for new Acela, Airo, and long-distance equipment. Each […]

Read More…

New CSX-served facility creates feedstock for renewable fuels

Logo for renewable energy feedstock firm Oleo-X

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — A new plant to create feedstock for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel has opened at a Pascagoula site served by CSX Transportation. The Oleo-X facility has the potential to produce up to 300 million gallons of premium feedstock per year. The innovative facility enables the processing of low-carbon, inedible oils, including […]

Read More…

How railroads design grades and curves

A red caboose trails a short freight train powered by a steam locomotive

Given a choice, railroads will always follow a straight, level path. Trains use less energy, speeds are higher, and there’s less wear on equipment when railroads can build on an arrow-straight line. But land rises and falls, obstacles must be avoided, and this requires grades to compensate for changes in elevation and curves to reorient […]

Read More…

Elmira Railway Museum profile

PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation logo

Housed in the historic Elmira Station, the Elmira Railway Museum offers a look at railroading on the Prince Edward Island in the early 1900s. Choices The museum features a re-created station master’s office and waiting room inside the station as well as displays and artifacts. A miniature train operates around the museum, and interactive experiences […]

Read More…

MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum profile

MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum logo

Located in copper country, the MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum is part of the overall MacBride Museum institution with a focus on the area’s mining and railroad history. Choices The museum’s exhibits provide a focus on the history of copper mining around the Whitehorse region, the Pueblo Mine Disaster, and an interpretive train ride. The train […]

Read More…