ABOARD THE SILVER STAR — The announcement Amtrak is extending chef-prepared meals and table service for sleeping-car passengers to another New York-Miami train [see “Amtrak returns ‘traditional dining’ to Silver Meteor,” Trains News Wire, June 27, 2023] came a few days after News Wire had a chance to sample that service on the northbound Silver […]
Zone & Region: Northeast
Delaware & Hudson locomotives remembered
Delaware & Locomotive locomotives demonstrated some of the greatest variety for a railroad its size. Steam locomotives on the D&H were distinctive. Its roster was dominated by 2-8-0 and 4-6-0 types, but it also had notable fleets of 4-6-2s, 4-8-4s, and 4-6-6-4s. After World War I, the road stuck with the 2-8-0 long […]
The MTH VO1000 diesel is a solid switcher
The MTH VO1000 diesel is a good-running, heavy, and well detailed model of the Baldwin switcher. The latest run features Protosound 3.0 with freight sound effects, LED lighting, and a fan-driven smoke unit. In addition to the four road names produced by the manufacturer, there have also been several other special runs commissioned. Read more […]
VRE opens new maintenance facility
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Railway Express has opened its new Lifecycle Overhaul and Upgrade maintenance facility, or LOU, at its Crossroads Yard in Fredericksburg. The 33,500-foot, two-track structure features a drop table for removing locomotive and railcar trucks and wheelsets; a wheel truing machine; and an overhead bridge crane with two lift points, one with […]
Summer work to shut down midday Princeton Dinky operation for two weeks
PRINCETON, N.J. — The Princeton Dinky, the nation’s shortest scheduled commuter rail line, is set for a short hiatus. Midday operation of the Dinky, formally NJ Transit’s Princeton Branch, will see midday operation replaced by buses from Monday, July 10, to Friday, July 21, the website Planet Princeton reports. Buses will replace trains from 9:30 […]
New York offering more than $100 million for rail, port projects
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State is offering $121.6 million in funding for rail and port projects within the state under its Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, with applications for funding accepted through Oct. 6. Eligible projects include track and bridge rehabilitation; yard, terminal and siding construction; grade crossing resurfacing; wayside detectors; and other […]
Ma & Pa farewell
The last Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad train out of Baltimore crosses the trestle at Sharon, Md., on Aug. 5, 1958. Lawrence W. Sagle photo […]
Better as a model: The Lionel turbine locomotive
The Lionel turbine locomotive has gone down in history as one of the model maker’s iconic products. From its success, reputation as a great runner, and longevity, you’d think the locomotive it’s based on was one of the greatest of all time. It wasn’t. The Pennsylvania RR S2 Lionel’s 6-8-6 is based on the Class […]
‘Coastliner’ RDCs to debut this weekend in Maine
BATH, Maine — The first stage of what Midcoast Railservice President Mike Smith says is a “sequential laboratory experiment” he expects to culminate in scheduled passenger service between Rockland and Brunswick, Maine, is set to begin this weekend at Bath Heritage Days. On display at Bath, about 9 miles from the Brunswick terminus of Amtrak […]
Short circuit on door system led to MBTA passenger fatality, NTSB determines
WASHINGTON — A short circuit in a system designed to keep a train from operating when a door is open or obstructed is the probable cause of the 2022 death of a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority passenger, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report released Tuesday. The passenger, 39-year-old Robinson Lalin, was caught […]
Reading & Northern names Sharadin to coal executive position
PORT CLINTON, Pa. — Reading & Northern Railroad has appointed Michael Sharadin as vice president-coal sourcing, the company has announced. Sharadin rejoins the railroad after serving as an area manager for Amazon Transportation since 2020. There, he managed the transportation department at two fulfillment centers in the Lehigh Valley. He had previously spent more than […]
NTSB investigating CSX employee death at Port of Baltimore
BALTIMORE — The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation after a CSX Transportation employee was killed after being struck by a train Monday evening at the Seagirt Marine Terminal at the Port of Baltimore. The Baltimore Banner reports an NTSB representative said two investigators were on the scene today to begin fact-finding into […]