More Chicago Amtrak cancellations

Passenger train along track lined by weeds

CHICAGO — Lack of serviceable equipment and qualified staff have again caused a series of Amtrak state-supported service cancellations out of Chicago. Late last week, the company announced morning eastbound Wolverine service train No. 350 to Pontiac, Mich., and its evening return counterpart, No. 355, would be cancelled today (Monday, Aug. 29) through Friday, Sept. […]

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Pedestrian barriers and photographers with working camera flash in HO scale

Road scene with photographers behind pedestrian barriers

Pedestrian barriers and photographers with flash Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Pedestrian barrier 16-pack and photographer with working camera flash, $20 each Manufacturer: East Coast Circuits LLC, P.O. Box 25412 Providence, RI 02905; 401-400-0668; eastcoastcircuits.com Pedestrian barrier features: 3-D printed parts Figures and display not included Photographer features: Works on 9-12V AC or DC power On/off switch included Four […]

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Railroads reach tentative agreements with three unions (updated)

Carmen push truck under elevated tank car

Railroads have reached tentative agreements with three unions as the prospect of a September strike looms. The National Carriers’ Conference Committee, which represents the freight railroads in national collective bargaining, on Monday afternoon said it has reached tentative deals with the Transportation Communications Union/IAM, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace […]

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Freight building block car R/C starter set from PIKO America

Small orange locomotive and two flat cars on track with building blocks in foreground and white background

Freight building block car R/C starter set Scale: Large scale (1:24) Price: $439.99 Era: Modern Manufacturer: PIKO America LLC, 4610 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Ste. 5, San Diego, CA 92120; piko-america.com Freight building block car R/C starter set features: Includes General Electric 25-ton diesel locomotive, two flatcars with building block decks, R/C pocket remote with eight selectable […]

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Norfolk Southern train derails in Georgia

Norfolk Southern logo

MIDVILLE, Ga. — About 35 cars of a 76-car Norfolk Southern train derailed early Monday morning in Midville, Ga., WJBF-TV reports. The accident occurred about 3 a.m. No hazardous materials were reported to be involved and no injuries were reported. A railroad representative said an investigation to the cause was under way. Midville is about […]

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Railfan photographer with working camera flash from East Coast Circuits

Railroad crossing scene with railfan photographers taking pictures

Railfan photographer with flash Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $20 Manufacturer: East Coast Circuits LLC, P.O. Box 25412 Providence, RI 02905; 401-400-0668; eastcoastcircuits.com Photographer features: Works on 9-12V AC or DC power Track sensor included Barriers and display not included Release date: October 2022 News & Products is a regular feature of Trains.com for model railroad operators and builders to […]

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ScaleTrains TTX class F68AH bulkhead flatcar

Drawing of brown bulkhead flatcar with white background

Class F68AH bulkhead flatcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $49.99 Era: 1969 to present (depending on scheme) Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 7598 Highway 411, Benton, TN 37307; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com Features: Road-number-specific details Factory-applied laser-cut wood deck Transverse deck risers and recessed deck tie-down details Photo-etched stainless steel crossover platforms Factory-applied metal grab irons, uncoupling levers, and trainline hoses Early […]

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Dates set for Minnesota steam locomotive’s return to operation

Steam locomotive with vintage freight cars under huge plume of black smoke

DULUTH, Minn. — After a two-year hiatus, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s North Shore Scenic Railroad will return Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range 2-8-0 No. 332 to service in September The locomotive will pull trains between Duluth and Two Harbors, Minn. Sept. 10-11 and 24-25. Trains will depart Duluth at 10:00 a.m. each day. No. 332 […]

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Unions, railroads hold three meetings; no agreement reached

Logos for BLET, SMART-TD unions

CLEVELAND — On-line and in-person meetings last week did not result in an agreement between railroads and unions over a new contract, the heads of two unions said in a joint statement issued Saturday. Jeremy Ferguson, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD), and Dennis Pierce, president of […]

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STB grants request for more mediation time in Gulf Coast dispute

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has granted a request by the parties in the Amtrak Gulf Coast dispute to extend board-sponsored mediation for an additional 30 days. Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority and Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks had filed the request on Aug. 24, saying they agreed […]

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LA Metro, SMART-TD ratify new contract

LA Metro light rail train on curving bridge

LOS ANGELES — Transit agency LA Metro has approved a new five-year agreement with the union representing Metro rail and bus operators and scheduling analysts. The agreement with more than 4,600 members of International Assoication of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) local GO-875 includes an average annual raise of 3.4% compounded […]

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