Are there many coal gondolas in the US left?

How many coal hoppers are currently in the U.S.? With the decline in use of coal-fired power plants, can any of these cars be re-purposed?

Cody discusses how many coal gondolas in the US remain, and the different ways railroads repurpose the remaining coal gondolas in the US as domestic coal production declines. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains […]

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Maryland agency, CSX reach settlement over Curtis Bay explosion

Smoke rising from coal facility

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Department of the Environment and CSX Transportation have reached a settlement over charges stemming from a December 2021 explosion at the railroad’s Curtis Bay Coal Piers, with CSX required to pay $100,000 for an environmental project in the neighborhood where the blast occurred. The railroad will also pay a $15,000 penalty […]

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Top 10 stories of 2022, No. 4: Amtrak cutbacks and service issues

Passenger train is blurred by time-lapse photo at station

Although transportation demand surged during 2022, Amtrak was unable to accommodate much of it outside the Northeast Corridor. Long-distance frequencies cut Attributing cancellations to a surge in the COVID-19 Omicron variant in early January, management began cutbacks that constricted the ability of travelers to include Amtrak in their plans. Most significant was suspension of the […]

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Top 10 stories of 2022, No. 5: Gulf Coast passenger conflict

Passenger train crossing long bridge at dusk

Continuing our countdown of the Trains News Wire Top 10 stories of 2022, as determined by a vote of Trains editors, columnists, and masthead correspondents: A lengthy and acrimonious process finally produced a settlement between Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, and Alabama State Port Authority late in the year, providing a framework to bring passenger […]

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CP train derails in Alberta

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

TABER, Alberta — Eleven cars of a Canadian Pacific freight train were reported to have derailed early Wednesday morning near the town of Taber, CTV News reports, leading to lane closures on adjacent Provincial Route 3. No injuries were reported and no hazardous material were involved, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Traffic on […]

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Trains Magazine, Kalmbach to begin holiday break

Trains Magazine logo

WAUKESHA, Wis. — The staff of Trains Magazine and all Kalmbach Media employees will begin an extended break for the New Year’s holiday at the close of business today (Thursday, Dec. 29). With New Year’s Day falling on Sunday, we will be closed on Friday, Dec. 30, to observe New Year’s Eve, and on Monday, […]

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U.S. rail traffic remains down as year’s end approaches

Weekly table showing U.S. carload rail traffic by commodity type plus overall intermodal traffic

WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic’s year-end slump continued in the week ending Dec. 24, with volume down 4.8% compared to the same week in 2021, according to the latest statistics from the Association of American Railroads. The overall figure of 400,289 carloads and intermodal units included 193,195 carloads, down 4.1%, and 207,094 trailers, down 5.5%. […]

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Industrial health organization offers resources for rail industry

Logo of American Industrial Hygiene Association

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The American Industrial Hygiene Association, the organization for individuals in the field of occupational and environmental health and safety, is now offering resources to help rail companies support worker health and safety. The organization has launched a rail-specific section of its Worker Health and Safety website including fact sheets, articles, and […]

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Hot Spot: Neenah, Wis.

red and gray locomotive

Neenah Neenah, Wis., is one of those towns you have probably never heard of. There is, however, a good chance that something from Neenah impacts your life every day. Take a good look at the next manhole cover you cross. If it’s cast with the words “Neenah Foundry Co., Neenah, WI,” you now know the […]

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Top 10 stories of 2022: No. 6, Jim Wrinn

Man at work at computer in office full of rail memorabilia

Continuing our countdown of the Trains News Wire Top 10 stories of 2022, as determined by a vote of Trains editors, columnists, and masthead correspondents: When a college advisor at the University of North Carolina asked Jim Wrinn in 1979 to name his dream job, he didn’t hesitate: editor of Trains magazine. There is no […]

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