Labor leaders welcome FRA’s train makeup safety advisory, while railroads emphasize their train-building tools and techniques

Aerial view of derailed boxcars and auto rack

Rail labor leaders welcomed the safety advisory that the Federal Railroad Administration issued last week that encourages railroads to take steps to reduce the in-train forces that can cause long trains to derail. Railroads, meanwhile, said they were reviewing the advisory to make sure their operating practices are in line with the FRA’s recommendations. “For […]

Read More…

Norfolk Southern tightens train makeup standards for long trains

Diesel locomotive tucked between freight train while going around a curve.

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has tightened its train makeup standards for long, heavy trains in order to reduce the in-train forces that can cause derailments. The new restrictions — part of the railroad’s broader push on safety in the wake of the disastrous Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio — have caused significant increases […]

Read More…

Five mind-blowing beer and train facts

seam locomotive and passenger train on high bridge with Pabst banner on supports

Mind-blowing beer and train facts Beer arrived first, but the railroads helped this favorite beverage grow to national prominence. The beer in your glass, however, is not the whole story. Throughout history there are many twists and turns in the relationship between beer and trains. Here are five mind-blowing beer and train facts. No. 1: […]

Read More…

Patriot Rail to serve new Denver-area industrial park

Aerial view of planned industrial park

DENVER — Infrastructure company Rocky Mountain Industrials Inc has reached agreement with Patriot Rail Co. to provide service at the Rocky Mountain Rail Park, a 620-acre project some 29 miles east of downtown Denver in Adams County, Colo. The development features direct interchange with Union Pacific and is adjacent to Interstate 70. “The RMI team […]

Read More…

CNJ No. 113 debuts for 100th birthday year

Steam locomotive and vintage passenger cars at station

MINERSVILLE, Pa. — Central Railroad of New Jersey No. 113 made its 2023 debut on April 8th with the Easter Bunny Trains. These round-trip excursions operated out of Minersville, the locomotive’s home base, in partnership with the Reading & Northern Railroad. Passengers onboard celebrating the holiday weekend were treated to the sights and sounds of […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of April 10th 2023

News & Products for the week of April 10th 2023: An image of a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of April 10th 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 April 10th 2023. […]

Read More…

Nevada Northern locomotive 93 is a desert survivor

black locomotive No. 93 with gray smoke

Name: Nevada Northern locomotive 93 Builder: American Locomotive Company (Alco) Wheel arrangement: 2-8-0 Consolidation Build date: 1909 Significance: Built in 1909, Nevada Northern 2-8-0 steam locomotive No. 93 is a survivor. One of four 2-8-0s purchased that year by American Smelters Securities Company for its copper mining operation based in Ely, Nev., the steam locomotive was […]

Read More…

Colebrookdale Trust will acquire locomotive from Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

4-6-2 steam locomotive on outdoor display

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will transfer ownership of former Canadian National 4-6-2 No. 5288 to the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust in Boyertown, Pa., the two organizations announced Friday, with Colebrookdale planning to eventually restore the locomotive to operation. The engine will move to Pennsylvania as soon as possible. Built by Montreal […]

Read More…

Two Norfolk Southern crew members injured in Alabama derailment

Norfolk Southern logo

JASPER, Ala. — Two crew members were injured Saturday night when a locomotive and 11 cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed Saturday night, AL.com reports. Also on Saturday, an NS train was involved in a minor derailment in Pittsburgh. In the Alabama incident, the railroad said the locomotive rolled onto its side, spilling some […]

Read More…

Alstom receives new contract for MARC operations, maintenance

Commuter train with two locomotives

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Transit Administration has awarded Alstom a five-year contract for operation and maintenance of the MARC commuter rail Camden and Brunswick lines, with options for two extensions. The initial contract is worth $401 million, with a total of value of $1.4 billion including the potential extensions in 2028 and 2033. Alstom, which […]

Read More…