GO Transit strike averted

Commuter train equipment in yard with one train passing on main line

TORONTO — GO Transit parent Metrolinx and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 have reached tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a possible strike by 2,200 GO Transit workers that was set to begin on Monday, Oct. 31. The CBC reports union members will vote on the agreement next week. The union represents bus drivers, […]

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Wolverine incident leads to Amtrak policy changes (updated)

Amtrak logo.

Amtrak will change its policies in the wake of a disastrous trip of a Chicago-bound Wolverine train earlier this month, prioritizing getting passengers off trains without heating, air condition, electricity and/or toilets, the MLive.com news site reports. Passengers involved in the 19-hour trip from Pontiac, Mich., to Chicago that began at 6 a.m. on Oct. […]

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LA’s Metrolink marks 30th anniversary with new logo

New logo for Metrolink, introduced 2022

LOS ANGELES — LA-area commuter rail operator Metrolink has marked its 30th anniversary by introducing a new logo, intended to emphasize its role as a vital transportation link in Southern California. The logo was unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 26, the anniversary of the first Metrolink run, which the operator also marked by handing out commemorative pins […]

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Great Northern 4-8-4 from Broadway Limited Imports

Screen capture of product review video.

A Great Northern 4-8-4 from Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) is the latest visitor to our HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout. The Brass-Hybrid model is offered in open and vestibule cab versions with a Glacier Green boiler in three road numbers each. The model is also available with an open cab and black […]

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Get ready for the first U.S. railroad strike in three decades: Analysis

A U.S. railroad strike now seems inevitable. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen overwhelmingly rejected their tentative contract agreement with the railroads this week, following in the footsteps of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, who turned down their deal earlier this month. This makes it almost certain that the rank-and-file members of the two […]

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Bowser Canadian and Phase III RS3 diesel locomotives

Drawing of green and yellow diesel locomotive

Canadian and Phase III RS3 diesel locomotives Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin plug, $219.95; with ESU LokSound Select sound decoder, $319.95 Era: 1954+ (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Bowser Manufacturing Co. Inc., 1302 Jordan Ave., Montoursville, PA 17754; 570-368-2379; bowser-trains.com Canadian and Phase III RS3 diesel locomotive features: Road-name-specific fuel tanks Separate, factory-applied air hoses, windshield wipers, […]

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Trade associations ask White House to help avert U.S. railroad strike

UP_RiverForest_Lassen

WASHINGTON — An array of shipper groups has asked the Biden administration to head off a potential railroad strike. Trade associations representing manufacturers, farmers, food and beverage producers, and retailers sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday urging the White House to work with railroads and unions to ensure that tentative contract agreements […]

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Amtrak board to meet in St. Louis

Aerial view of large, ornate former railroad station

ST. LOUIS — Amtrak’s board of directors will hold a public meeting on Dec. 1 at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, the company has announced, with the public invited to attend in person or on line. The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST, and will review fiscal 2022 and […]

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N scale Procor 5,820-cubic-foot capacity covered hopper from Rapido

Drawing of covered hoppers in multiple paint schemes

Procor 5820 covered hopper Scale: N (1:160) Price: Single car, $39.95; three-pack, $119.85; six-pack, $239.70 Era: 1977 to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Procor 5820 covered hopper features: Round, round with ribs, or 20” vented cover roof hatches as appropriate Pneumatic or Miner outlet […]

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