Rail traffic controllers ratify new agreement, CN announces

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National announced Tuesday that the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference has ratified a new contract agreement covering approximately 160 CN rail traffic controllers in Canada. The agreement, ratified on Dec. 23, is effective through Dec. 31, 2025 and includes wage increases of 3% in 2023, 3% in 2024, and 2.5% in 2025, as […]

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Five common shortline diesel locomotives in North America

Three red and white diesel

Five common shortline diesel locomotives in North America: When it comes to short lines and regional railroads, differences abound. Their location, size and overall operation makes each stand out from one another. It’s usually true with motive power too, but railroads can and do populate their rosters with common locomotives that have proved their worth […]

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Railfanning Chicago: Clarendon Hills

Commuter train arrives at station

Metra’s new Clarendon Hills station New Metra stations are rare enough. One on the Chicago-area commuter operator’s most-used line is a particularly big deal, given how many people will likely use it — and how long it is likely to be used. So it seemed worthwhile to devote one chapter of our occasional series on […]

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National Railroad Museum submits expansion plans

Inside the National Railroad Museum's main exhibit hall looking at Union Pacific No. 4017, Big Boy

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. – The National Railroad Museum has submitted a plan to the Village of Ashwaubenon for a $15 million expansion project that would include a new building for exhibits and a plaza along the Fox River, Green Bay’s Fox 11 News reported. The museum would expand its current Lenfestey Center by 32,040 square feet. […]

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Alaska Railroad to mark 100 years

Circular Alaska Railroad logo

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – As the new year dawns, Alaska Railroad is preparing to mark 100 years since the completion of its 470-mile main line. It was July 15, 1923, when President Warren G. Harding drove a golden spike signaling the completion of the railroad in Nenana, Alaska (Harding would die in San Francisco while returning […]

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Brightline update: PTC plans outlined for 125-mph operation

Yellow and white passenger train at grade crossing

COCOA, Fla. — Brightline crews are set to resume 110-mph tests this Friday, Jan. 6, south of Fort Pierce, Fla., as part of continuing preparations for the passenger operator’s expansion of service to Orlando. The tests in Martin and St. Luicie counties, along an 11-mile stretch of the 129-mile segment of Florida East Coast Railway […]

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Pullman National Monument designated as National Park

Ornate multistory brick building with clock tower

CHICAGO — President Joe Biden has signed legislation that changes the Pullman National Monument to a National Historical Park, making it the first National Park Service unit in Chicago. Pullman National Monument was designated by President Barack Obama on Feb. 19, 2015. The park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities […]

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The history of Clinchfield

Clinchfield black with yellow train on tracks

A Clinchfield primer EMD hood units await calls to work at Dante, Va., on Oct. 13, 1980. Originally known as Turkey Foot, the town was renamed Dante in 1906. Shortly after, it became a busy center for coalfield railroading. Ron Flanary  The earliest noises of building a railroad to connect Ohio with the Atlantic Ocean […]

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Circumnavigating the metroplex

Light-rail train at underground station

Traveling Dallas-Fort Worth by rail During my recent trip to Fort Worth for the Railway Supply Institute conference, my brother, a Fort Worth resident, suggested taking part of a day to make a loop by rail around the Dallas-Fort Worth area by rail transit. Come along as we’re traveling Dallas-Fort Worth by rail. Such a […]

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