DC Metro hires new chief operating officer

WMATA (DC Metro) logo

WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has hired a new chief operating officer, replacing the official who resigned in the fallout of the agency’s failure to maintain certification for its train operators. The Washington Post reports Brian Dwyer, whose three decades in public transportation most recently include three years at consulting firm WSP, […]

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House bill would expand STB’s authority over railroad service

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board would get more teeth under a shipper-friendly bill that would reauthorize the agency that regulates freight railroads. The Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, introduced Tuesday, would give regulators more authority to deal with service emergencies, require railroads to include service standards in contracts with customers, and give shippers […]

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Which Trains Magazine issue has an article on the Kansas City Southern line from Kansas City to Shreveport, La.?

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Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Click the link to order a downloadable copy of the August 1979 issue, “Kansas City Southern and Amtrak.” Do you have a question? Would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature […]

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How are wood-chip gondolas unloaded?

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If there is no opening on the bottom, how are wood-chip gondolas unloaded? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have a question? Would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers […]

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Steam Railroading Institute launches campaign for C&NW 175

Steam locomotive on turntable with large group of railroaders

OWOSSO, Mich. — The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) has launched a fundraising campaign for the restoration of Chicago & North Western R-1 class 4-6-0 No. 175, which the museum acquired in 2018 from the Mineral Range Railroad in Ishpeming, Mich. Built in 1908 by American Locomotive Co. at its Schenectady Works, the 175 was one […]

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British trains stopped by giant tortoise

Giant tortoise in the middle of a railroad track

THETFORD, England — Passenger trains of British operator Greater Anglia were disrupted for about an hour Monday afternoon because of an escaped giant tortoise on the tracks. Yes, you read that correctly. The BBC reports that the animal, about 2½ feet long, had escaped from pet and aquarium store Swallow Aquatics on Sunday. It was […]

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Amtrak employee names Missouri DOT in suit over Chief derailment

Aerial view of derailed train

KEYTESVILLE, Mo. — An Amtrak train attendant injured in the June 27 derailment of the Southwest Chief has become the latest person to file suit over the fatal accident, and apparently the first to name the Missouri Department of Transportation as a defendant. KSHB-TV reports attorneys representing California-based employee Iesha Coleman say the state DOT […]

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August 2022

Norfolk Southern on cover

In every issue News p. 4 Rail labor-management issues continue to build Preservation p. 44 Trust group displays Pennsy T1-class 4-4-4-4 boiler, shows tangible progress Train-Watching p. 46 Short line: Ontario Southland Railway […]

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July 2022

4-6-2 locomotive on cover

In every issue News p. 4 The Surface Transportation Board takes a hard look at the state of railroad service Preservation p. 44 Major parts of Union Pacific’s heritage fleet find new home Train-Watching p. 46 Hot spot: UP and BNSF trains battle California’s rugged Tehachapi Mountains […]

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