MBTA sets October maintenance shutdowns

Map of rail lines

BOSTON — A series of shutdowns on the rapid transit Orange Line and a week of disruptions for the Mattapan Line trolley operationare the primary focal points for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority track work in October, part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address a maintenance backlog. Two weekends of shutdowns on the Green Line […]

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Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

Screen capture from video showing two HO scale diesels painted yellow and gray.

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound […]

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Rapido Trains HO scale GP9RM

Color photo showing nose of HO scale diesel locomotive.

A Canadian National GP9RM is now available in HO scale from Rapido Trains. The four-axle, chopped-nose diesel locomotive features a heavy die-cast metal frame, traction motor details on the gearbox, and prototype-specific details. Prototype history From 1981 to 1994, CN rebuilt its fleet of General Motors Diesel Ltd. GP9 locomotives for various duties at its […]

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Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

Screen capture from video showing two HO scale diesels painted yellow and gray.

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound […]

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Initial studies rocketing for future Moon-based railroad

Crater and landscape of Moon

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The idea of a rail network across lunar soil can be looked on by many as nothing more than science fiction. Northrop Grumman Co. and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) look to change that viewpoint with recent studies yielding potential results. In a press release dated March 19, 2024, […]

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FRA finalizes $3 billion Brightline West grant

Illustration of high speed train in desert

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has officially signed the $3 billion grant agreement for the Brightline West rail project, the company has announced. The grant, awarded to the Nevada Department of Transportation, was signed today (Sept. 26). The grant award was announced in December 2023 [see “Legislators say Brightline West will receive $3 billion […]

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Norfolk Southern offers alternative origins for West Coast intermodal ahead of coastal port strike

Intermodal train on bridge

ATLANTA — With longshoremen and port operators still unable to come to terms for a new labor agreement at East Coast ports, Norfolk Southern is recommending alternative origins for West Coast-destined international intermodal that normally flows into the eastern seaboard. NS outlined its recommended service Thursday, making use of its inland intermodal terminals to originate […]

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