WASHINGTON — BNSF Railway has told federal regulators that it’s prepared for the upcoming fall grain harvest, but defended its performance last year amid weather-related disruptions to the broader supply chain. Surface Transportation Board Chairman Robert E. Primus requested the update from BNSF, which he said had struggled to handle the fall harvest in recent […]
Section: News & Reviews
Congressman wants Amtrak, NJ passengers to get refunds for significantly late trains
GLEN ROCK, N.J. — A New Jersey congressman wants Amtrak and NJ Transit passengers to receive full refunds for significantly late trains, as well as those that are canceled. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Bergen County) on Monday announced plans to introduce the “All Aboard Act.” It would include a Passenger Bill of Rights requiring automatic […]
News photos: Electrified service begins on Caltrain
After a Aug. 10 event involving Gov. Gavin Newsom and other elected officials and VIPs, public service using Caltrain’s electric multiple-unit trainsets began on a limited basis on Sunday, Aug. 11, between San Jose, Calif., and San Francisco [see “Caltrain to place first electric trainsets in service,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 9, 2024]. Two of […]
In Memoriam: Paul J. Dolkos
Paul J. Dolkos, a longtime contributor to the pages of Model Railroader magazine and its annuals and special issues, passed away on August 9, 2024. Paul became interested in trains and model railroading as a teenager. His second hobby was photography. Paul’s first MR cover photo, a scene on the Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s […]
News & Products for the week of August 12th 2024
News & Products for the week of August 12th 2024 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of August 12th […]
Full schedule released for Big Boy’s fall ‘Heartland’ tour
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has released the full schedule for the 10-state “Heartland of America” tour by Big Boy No. 4014, to begin Aug. 28 in Cheyenne and return there Oct. 23. As previously announced, public display events are planned for Sunday, Sept. 8, in Rochelle, lll.; Sunday, Oct. 6, in Houston; and Thursday […]
Norfolk Southern sets date for RoadRailer finale
ATLANTA — RoadRailer has reached the end of the line. The last runs of Norfolk Southern Triple Crown RoadRailer trains 255 and 256 are scheduled to depart their respective terminals outside of Detroit and Kansas City on the weekend of Aug. 24-25. The freight the aging equipment carries — auto parts in general and particularly […]
Brightline West obtains $1 billion bond offering
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Trains News Wire has obtained an 1,160-page “Limited Remarketing Memorandum” issued earlier this month announcing the $1 billion availability of bonds by California and Nevada authorities. The financing is part of Brightline West’s quest to secure operating capital for its proposed 218-mile high speed venture between Las Vegas, Nev., and Southern […]
News report: UP seeks changes to engineer scheduling agreement
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific is seeking changes to the quality-of-life scheduling agreement it reached with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen last year, saying it is getting significantly less work than expected out of engineers where it has implemented the new schedule. The BLET has gone to court because the agreement has not […]
Northernmost point on North American rail network to lose service
HAY RIVER, Northwest Territories — Canadian National Railway has begun the process of ending service to Hay River, which currently holds the distinction of being the northernmost point connected to the North American rail network. Cabin Radio reports the railroad filed in May to discontinue service on its Meander River Subdivision between mileposts 354 and […]
East Broad Top reopens two grade crossings on dormant main line
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. – Pressing its drive to restore a narrow gauge main line that has lain dormant for 68 years, the East Broad Top Railroad this week reopened two long-paved-over grade crossings south of here. Following up on earlier work to install track panels by the joint EBT Foundation and Friends of the East […]
DeLand, Fla., marks opening of SunRail station
DeLAND, Fla. — Ceremonies on Friday, Aug. 9, marked the opening of the DeLand SunRail station, the 17th station on the Orlando-area commuter rail line and the northern endpoint of a 12-mile extension that completes the system as originally envisioned. The West Volusia Beacon reports 300 or more people were on hand for the dedication […]