I love Lego, and I love trains. When I first saw the SoundTraxx Blunami decoder being demonstrated inside a Lego locomotive at Trainfest, I knew that I had to install my own decoder in a Lego locomotive. What you’ll need Obviously, you will need a locomotive. Trains.com producer Ben Lake donated his Lego Creator No. […]
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Department of Justice sues Norfolk Southern over East Palestine derailment
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Norfolk Southern over the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, seeking recovery of costs and civil penalties for pollution from the release of toxic chemicals as a result of the Feb. 3 incident. The suit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern […]
Cheyenne receives passenger cars, caboose from UP for tourism project
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The City of Cheyenne has accepted a donation from Union Pacific of three passenger cars and a caboose for the city’s planned 15th Street Railroad Experience tourism project, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. Two of the cars — a former Southern Pacific heavyweight observation car later used in maintenance-of-way service and a […]
Three U.S. senators introduce new rail safety bill
WASHINGTON — Three Democratic Senators from Pennsylvania and Ohio have called for new rail safety legislation they say is intended to build on provisions of the Rail Safety Act introduced earlier in March by addressing wheel-related failures and enacting new inspection rules, among other provisions. The Railway Accountability Act was introduced Thursday by U.S. Sens. […]
Builders of Colorado commuter lines file appeal over unrecovered costs
DENVER — The consortium that built commuter rail lines for the Denver-area Regional Transportation District is appealing a court decision that denied its effort to recover almost $112 million in costs because resulting from problems with crossing-gate technology. The Denver Post reports that Denver Transit Partners filed the appeal on Thursday over the decision regarding […]
Eng to receive base salary of $470,000 as head of MBTA
BOSTON — Many observers have wondered why Phillip Eng, who recently retired as president of the Long Island Railroad, would want to take on the job of leading the problem-plagued Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. While the question is still worth considering, it should be noted he will be well compensated for the large task at […]
Union Pacific announces start of transition of Chicago commuter rail operations to Metra
CHICAGO — Union Pacific is working with commuter rail operator Metra to “safely and seamlessly transfer its commuter operation in Chicago, including the employees who perform the work,” UP announced today (Thursday, March 30), setting the stage for an exit from the commuter rail business long sought by the freight operator. UP said Metra will […]
Model railroad layout photography tips
Model railroad layout photography tips: Taking great shots of your layout has never been easier. Digital single lens reflex cameras or even the camera in your cell phone take a lot of the guesswork out of photography, if you know what you’re doing. This article will focus on the basics of photography, so that you […]
Easy model train décor
For many, particularly those with limited space, having model trains means that the trains will in some way intersect with everyday life. Obviously, if you live by yourself, this can look like whatever you want it to be. I’ve known single model railroaders who have taken train décor to the ultimate level, filling every available […]
Custom train wash helps Brightline put on a shiny face (with video)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Clean windows and a sparkling appearance may not be a priority to other passenger and commuter operations, judging from the caked-on grime passengers around the country put up with daily. But from its inception in 2018, Brightline has consistently valued interior and exterior cleanliness on its South Florida trainsets. When revenue service […]
Mississippi tourist railroads you must visit
Mississippi tourist railroads you must visit include a restored depot to a museum dedicated to the most famous engineer and everything in between in the Magnolia State. Here’s our list of must-see tourist railroads, museums, and displays — for almost every region in Mississippi. Canton Train Museum Canton’s depot served Illinois Central freight and passenger […]
BNSF train transporting ethanol derails, catches fire in Minnesota (updated)
RAYMOND, Minn. — Evacuated residents have begun returning home after an early morning derailment of approximately 22 cars of a BNSF Railway train, some carrying ethanol, and subsequent fire. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office reported at midday that the evacuation for Raymond, ordered after a derailment about 1 a.m., had been lifted, and said there […]