Cody Grivno walks you through examples of covered hoppers in this video of Ask Trains. If you have questions on prototype rolling stock, or want to know more about prototype railroading? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer […]
News photo: Plaque honoring Trains editor Wrinn added to Western Maryland Scenic No. 1309
CUMBERLAND, Md. — A plaque added to the cab of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 honors the contributions of late Trains editor Jim Wrinn to both the restoration of that locomotive and rail preservation in general. Howard Pincus, president of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Railroad and a friend of the Western Maryland Scenic operation, reports […]
Norfolk Southern property to be redeveloped for wind-energy business
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern has signed an agreement to develop the Lambert’s Point Docks, adjacent to its Lamberts Point Coal Terminal, into a location for both the offshore wind and defense industries. The Virginian-Pilot reports the railroad has signed with newly created development company Fairwinds Landing for a $100 million project to redevelop the […]
Union Pacific suffers washouts in Oklahoma
MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Union Pacific has suffered “multiple washouts” in the Muskogee area following torrential rains early Thursday, the railroad said in a notification to customers. Repair efforts were on hold until waters receded, UP said in the notification posted later that day. Limited reroutes were available, but customers were advised to expect delays of […]
Nebraska utility to challenge Union Pacific reciprocal switch rate
WASHINGTON — A Nebraska utility says it will file a rate complaint against Union Pacific for a reciprocal switch involving unit coal trains interchanged with BNSF Railway a few miles from the power plant. The Omaha Public Power District disclosed its plans to challenge the reasonableness of UP’s rates in a regulatory filing with the […]
Orlando businesses pledge $125 million for Brightline-SunRail joint route to Disney World (corrected)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Businesses who would have been bypassed by Brightline’s original route between Orlando International Airport and Disney World have pledged $125 million toward a project which would serve them through a joint route used by both Brightline and commuter operator SunRail. Accounts of the meeting were provided in a paywalled Orlando Sentinel report […]
Railfan photography special to launch season for Conway Scenic’s ‘Mountaineer’
NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — The Conway Scenic Railroad will launch its popular Mountaineer excursion train to Crawford Notch earlier than usual in 2022, beginning with a special Railfan’s Mountaineer photography special on Sunday, May 22. The train, to be hauled by a combination of locomotives including 470 Club’s former Boston & Maine F7A diesels, is […]
SMART to add five round trips to weekday schedule
PETALUMA, Calif. — Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit will add five weekday round trips beginning June 13 as part of a new schedule restoring service discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new schedule includes three added morning trips in each direction — from Sonoma County Airport at 4:39, 6:38, and 7:42 a.m., and from Larkspur at […]
News Photo: Sierra Northern operates test passenger train in Southern California
FILLMORE, Calif. — Following on the heels of a successful freight photo train April 22, Sierra Northern Railway’s Ventura Division operated a second train, this time with seven streamlined passenger cars between Fillmore and Santa Paula, on Thursday, May 5. The train was stopped numerous times for the railroad’s company photographer. The train was significant […]
Anacostia names Crosson as chief safety and compliance officer
CHICAGO — Herman E. Crosson, a veteran safety official for short line and Class I railroads, will be come chief safety and compliance officer at Anacostia Rail Holdings Co., effective May 9, the company has announced. Crosson succeeds the retiring Thomas A. Leopold, who has been with Anacostia since 2006 and will continue to serve […]
Railcar parts firm Comet Industries acquires Seneca Railroad and Mining
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Comet Industries, which specializes in sales of new and reconditioned freight car parts, will acquire Seneca Railroad and Mining of Bellevue, Ohio, which manufactures insulated rail joints, rubber plates, and pads used for railroad crossings, turnouts and switches. “We are pleased to add the Seneca team and their offers to our […]
Unusual rolling stock: What IS that?
Unusual rolling stock: There is no doubt that today’s trains are just not as colorful as those of a few decades ago. But just when you’re cradled into thinking variety is a thing of the past, a piece of rolling stock pops up to make you take a second look. Here’s a few samples of […]