NJ Transit unveils locomotive wrapped for Black History Month

Multicolored locomotive and bus

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has unveiled a locomotive wrapped to commemorate Black History Month, featuring historical contribution of African Americans to American history and society. The unveiling today (Monday, Feb. 26) of wrapped dual-mode Bombardier ALP-45DP No. 4508 at Newark Penn Station was accompanied by the release of two NJ Transit buses also wrapped […]

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Train Sim World 4 | Product Overview

Trains.com talent Bryson Sleppy delves into the immersive world of Train Sim World 4, released in September 2023 and available on PC, Xbox One and Series S and X, and PlayStation 4 and 5. In this video, our host highlights improvements made since the release of Train Sim World 3 in 2022 (click HERE to […]

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Metra signs deal with Stadler US for battery-electric trainsets

Blue and white two-unit trainset

CHICAGO — Stadler US will build eight two-car battery-electric trainsets for Chicago’s Metra, its first order for such equipment in the United States, the commuter operator and manufacturer announced today (Wednesday, Feb. 21). The eight trainsets are the initial order for an agreement that could expand to as many as 16 trainsets. While the trainsets […]

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Palmetto Railways to convert two switchers to battery power

Logo of Palmetto Railways

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Palmetto Railways will work with Innovative Rail Technologies to convert two of its diesel switchers to battery-electric power, the railroad announced this week. Palmetto, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, received a $4.17 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant for the project in September [see […]

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How to lubricate your O and S gauge trains

Applying light gear lube to a model locomotive truck with a needle applicator.

Some questions we get frequently are: “How do I lubricate my locomotives?” followed by “What type of lubrication should I use on them?” Here are some answers. And remember, when it comes to oil and grease on locomotives or other rolling stock, less is more. Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy answer for what to […]

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Common methods for uncoupling cars

Photo showing two flatcars and assorted uncoupling items.

Automatic knuckle couplers have been a part of model railroading for more than 60 years. Not only do these couplers look more like what you see on full-size locomotives and freight cars, they’re easy to install and use. You can learn more about them in my articles on HO and N scale couplers on Trains.com. […]

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The day the GG1 fleet called in sick

Blizzard around passenger train with electric locomotive

  I became a railfan at age three, near the end of World War II. Awaiting the return of my naval officer father, I sat in our West Philadelphia kitchen window facing one of the busiest divisions of the Pennsylvania Railroad — the four-track electrified main line to Harrisburg. The parade of wartime tonnage, plus express […]

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Thoughts on the Lionel 2024 Big Book catalog

model Berkshire engine with blue paint scheme

The Lionel 2024 Big Book catalog is here! At 228 pages, there’s a lot of products to sort through. I’ve given it a good luck and have thoughts and observations. Maybe you do too. If so, leave a comment or send an email to editor@classictoytrains.com Roger Carp explained the history of when Lionel releases catalogs […]

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Orders for a GG1

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The fireman of Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 4913 has descended the cab-side ladder to snag a train-order hoop from the operator at Odenton, Md., in October 1953. A blocked track ahead at Baltimore has necessitated orders for the Tuscan red electric, which today is preserved at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. H. N. Proctor photo […]

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