Atlas O Amtrak Genesis P42 locomotive

a pair of atlas O amtrak genesis p42 locomotives

It’s the Atlas O Amtrak Genesis P42 locomotive, and not one of them, but two! We’re going to get up close to see some of the great features that these have. These are Premier line tooling, which means they are former MTH locomotives purchased when the company sold off some of its tooling a few […]

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Amtrak releases survey showing support for passenger rail

Bar graphs showing results of poll questions regarding support for a strong passenger rail system and investment in passenger safety and service

WASHINGTON — A survey commissioned by Amtrak has found strong support for spending on passenger rail service and infrastructure, with most of those responding calling for more passenger spending in their own states. The poll conducted by the Mellman Group surveyed 1,000 registered voters. Among its results: 92% support investment in passenger rail safety and […]

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From the Cab: Freight locomotives on passenger trains

A dark-colored freight engine is coupled ahead of a silver Amtrak locomotive next to a concrete walkway.

Freight locomotives on passenger trains can happen for a variety of reasons and make for memorable images. Early in Amtrak’s history, locomotives painted in the colors of freight-hauling railroads were common. In Amtrak’s “rainbow era” days, 50 years ago, the then-new National Railroad Passenger Corporation operated with leased or hand-me-down equipment, inherited from — and […]

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BNSF completes double-tracking project at Sandpoint, Idaho

Trains on parallel bridges over river

SANDPOINT, Idaho — Thanks to an all-day work window on Aug. 6, 2023, the final track segments have been put into place to complete BNSF Railway’s 2-mile double-tracking project at the east end of its busy “Funnel” between Spokane, Wash., and Sandpoint. Completion of the new 4,873-foot bridge across Lake Pend Oreille in November 2022 […]

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Tracks cleared at site of CSX derailment in New York

Fire truck next to derailed tank cars on closed highway

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Tracks have been cleared and rail service can resume through the site of a CSX Transportation derailment that occurred west of Schenectady, N.Y., on Friday morning, a railroad representative told the Daily Gazette newspaper this afternoon (Monday, Aug. 7). Thirteen cars of a 157-car CSX train en route from Selkirk, N.Y. to […]

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Chicago street project changes Union Station access

Map showing traffic changes and access points at Chicago Union Station

CHICAGO — Access to Chicago Union Station will change beginning this evening (Monday, Aug. 7) as the Chicago Department of Transportation begins an 18-month process to rehabilitate four viaducts on Canal Street between Taylor and Madison streets. As a result, no vehicle access to Union Station between West Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard, and […]

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Amtrak sets hearing, seeks comments on accessibility plans for long-distance equipment

Amtrak wheelchair lift

WASHINGTON — Amtrak is considering the use of semi-permanent coupling in its next generation of long-distance trainsets, and as a result will seek regulatory approval to address accessibility requirements through accommodations throughout those trainsets, rather than in individual cars. That proposal is included in a website the passenger operator has launched as it seeks public […]

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Short Amtrak consists of the 2000s

A model passenger train crosses a bridge over water and a freight train

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour we’ve taken of Amtrak’s short consists throughout the railroad’s history. Starting with the modern era, we then went back in time to the 1970s, then the 80s and 90s. This month, we’re looking at my favorite era of short Amtrak consists. Is it because that’s when I grew up? […]

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CSX derailment halts Amtrak service west of Albany, N.Y.

Fire truck next to derailed tank cars on closed highway

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Thirteen cars of a CSX Transportation train derailed near Albany, N.Y., this morning, disrupting Amtrak service and leading to road closures. WNYT-TV reports most of the cars, part of a 157-car train en route from Selkirk, N.Y., to Buffalo, were empty tank cars. Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith said there were no […]

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