A Metra BNSF train crosses over Interstate 294 between Hinsdale and Western Springs, Ill., on Christmas Eve 2015. The bridge is the narrowest point on the highway; a planned road-widening project will require the construction of a temporary bridge for the BNSF main line, followed by replacement of the existing structure. TRAINS: David Lassen HINSDALE, […]
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration issued a final rule for passenger equipment, allowing high-speed operation up to 220 mph and establishing crashworthiness and rider-protection standards intended to allow more options for U.S. operators. The FRA says these requirements will “remove regulatory barriers and enable use of new technological designs, allowing a more open U.S. […]
Amtrak’s Desert Wind makes a station stop in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 18, 1993. Station services were at the Plaza Hotel (advertising the $1 drinks in the background), which would also be the site for the Las Vegas station for the proposed X Train. David Warner A Denton A Train commuter trainset passes the […]
A Metra BNSF train approaches the Naperville station on Sept. 15, 2018. Two communities have hired a lobbying firm as part of an effort to have the BNSF line extended into Kendall County, Ill. TRAINS: David Lassen OSWEGO, Ill. — Two Chicago suburbs have hired a lobbying firm in an effort to Metra’s BNSF Railway […]
A northbound Brightline train rolls into Fort Lauderdale on May 12, 2018. The service, rebranded as Virgin Trains USA, filed a prospectus for an initial public offering on Friday. Bob Johnston Brightline Smart Class passengers enjoy onboard snacks on May 12, 2018, after the company launched its service to Miami. Friday’s initial public offering provided […]
Amtrak’s westbound California Zephyr passes the Highlands Metra station in Hinsdale, Ill., on July 7, 2018. Amtrak’s operating loss decreased in fiscal 2018. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson said his company posted “the best performance in Amtrak history” after the passenger railroad announced an operating loss of $168 million in fiscal […]
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Amtrak will close its Southern California reservation call center, eliminating 550 jobs, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. The closure was announced in a Wednesday email to employees. Operations will end on Jan. 18, with sale of the building to follow. The message to employees said operations would be consolidated with those at Amtrak’s […]
MINNEAPOLIS – The Federal Transit Administration has approved plans for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council to begin construction on the Southwest Light Rail project, which would be the third light rail line to serve the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. On Wednesday FTA granted the Council what is known as a Letter of No Prejudice, a critical […]
Atlas Master Line HO scale Pullman 10-1-1 sleeper Price: $64.95 (undecorated, $54.95) Manufacturer Atlas Model RR Co. 378 Florence Ave. Hillside, NJ 07205 www.atlasrr.com Era: 1930 to 1950s Road names: Pullman; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Chicago & North Western; Norfolk & Western; Northern Pacific; Pennsylvania RR; Southern Pacific; and Union Pacific. Also available undecorated. Comments: […]
Murals inside a restored Cincinnati Union Terminal. The art deco train station will have a grand re-opening for the public on Saturday, Nov. 17. David T. Rohdenburg CINCINNATI — One of the best known railroad landmarks in the Midwest, Cincinnati’s grand art deco masterpiece, Union Terminal, is re-opening this week after a 30-month, $228-million restoration […]
An interior image of Buffalo Central Terminal’s partly restored main concourse. Stephan M. Koenig BUFFALO, N.Y. — The art deco castle of a depot has needs aplenty, but with thousands of square feet to speak for and only $5 million extra, leaders responsible for Buffalo Central Terminal are being careful about how to spend a […]
Grand Central Terminal Mitch Goldman NEW YORK CITY — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority wants to buy Grand Central Terminal. The MTA proposes purchasing the Hudson and Harlem Lines as well as Grand Central Terminal for $35 million from Midtown Trackage Ventures LLC. The MTA’s board of directors briefly discussed the possible deal in a regular […]
