In Memoriam: Dick Elwell

Photo of man with model railroad in background

In Memoriam: Dick Elwell. Veteran model railroader Dick Elwell, builder of the well-known Hoosac Valley RR, died on October 21, 2022 after a 14-year battle with cancer. “Even after going through numerous medical procedures to cope with the disease, Dick’s positive attitude and lust for living shined through,” said Model Railroader contributing editor Lou Sassi. […]

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HO scale Amtrak Non-Powered Control Units from Rapido Trains

Drawing of four diesel passenger locomotives

Amtrak NPCU “Cabbage” Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin plug, $239.95; with dual-mode sound decoder, $349.95 Era: 1990s 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 Amtrak Non-Powered Control Unit features: Enlarged marker lights, supplementary air reservoirs, and a K5LA horn Operating strobe lights, […]

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Progress Rail CEO Haycraft to retire; Newman named as successor

Man in dark coat with red tie

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Progress Rail CEO Marty Haycraft, senior vice president of Caterpillar Inc., has announced plans to retire at the end of 2022, and will be succeeded by John Newman, the company has announced. Haycraft joined Progress Rail in 1993 when Corbin Railway Services purchased Progress predecessor Steel Processing Services, rising through the company […]

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Greenbrier (Gunderson) Maxi-IV three-unit articulated well cars from American Z Line

Model of three articulated well cars carrying various 40- and 53-foot containers

Maxi-IV well cars Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 2012 to present Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com Maxi-IV well cars feature: Modified AZL 90001 roller-bearing trucks AutoLatch couplers Metal wheels Six 40- and/or 53-foot intermodal containers in various schemes Road name: Florida East Coast (brown with patched reporting marks). Three road numbers. Release […]

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October 2022 PA-1 announcement from American Z Line

Model of blue and white streamlined diesel locomotive

Alco PA-1 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 1949 to early 1960s Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com Alco PA-1 features: 7mm can motor Dual flywheels Six-axle trucks with blind middle axle (no flange) Traction tires Blackened metal wheels Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Optional front coupler cover and snow plow Road name: Missouri Pacific […]

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Talgo, LA Metro sue each other over subway-car contract

Subway train in station

LOS ANGELES — Milwaukee-based rail equipment manufacturer Talgo and LA Metro are involved in dueling lawsuits over a cancelled contract to refurbish Los Angeles subway cars, with Talgo filing a $48.8 million countersuit Friday after Metro filed suit in September. City News Service reports the Metro suit claimed Talgo had defaultd on its contract and […]

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VRE extends fare-free program while DC Metro work continues

Virginia Railway Express logo

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia Railway Express has extended its free-fare program at its six northernmost stations until the conclusion of work on DC Metrorail’s Blue Line, which is scheduled to be completed Nov. 5. The project was originally slated to be completed Oct. 22, and the fare program would have ended at that time. VRE’s […]

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KCS de Mexico president to head Mexican rail association

Kansas City Southern de Mexico logo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Oscar Del Cueto, president of Kansas City Southern de Mexico, has been appointed president of the Mexican Railroad Association (AMF) by unanimous vote of the association board of directors, KCS announced. It is his second term as president, following one in 2020-21. Del Cueto joined KCS de Mexico  in 2006 and […]

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