As traffic declines, CPKC has challenging quarter as a combined system

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a challenging first quarter as a combined system as demand softened and costs rose while the railway was carrying extra train crews in anticipation of merger-related growth later this year. “No doubt a challenging quarter as we dealt with a softer demand environment,” CEO Keith Creel said […]

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NTSB says track conditions caused fatal 2021 Empire Builder derailment (updated)

Aerial view of derailed passenger train

WASHINGTON — Track conditions led to the fatal derailment of Amtrak’s Empire Builder in Joplin, Mont., in September 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its final accident report released today (July 27) Three passengers were killed and 49 other people were injured in the derailment of the westbound train on BNSF’s Hi Line […]

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Norfolk Southern operations and service rebound to levels not seen since 2019

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s operations and service have bounced back from the disruptions created by the Feb. 3 East Palestine hazardous materials derailment and changes the railroad made to its train makeup rules after a March 4 wreck. “Service is now at levels comparable to our best performance in 2019,” CEO Alan Shaw told investors […]

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East Palestine derailment costs take toll on Norfolk Southern’s quarterly earnings

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s second-quarter earnings took a hit from costs related to the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, which more than doubled to $803 million and consumed 42% of the railroad’s operating income. “Our financial results were challenged this quarter … They reflect the decisive actions we have taken to advance our strategy and keep […]

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Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI

Screen capture of title screen from Athearn HO scale EMD F59PHI review video.

Athearn recently released a new run of its HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI. Join Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno as they talk about the features on the streamlined diesel locomotive and pull a short commuter train over the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. The Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI is […]

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Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI

Screen capture of title screen from Athearn HO scale EMD F59PHI review video.

The Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI recently arrived on hobby shop shelves. Join Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno as they talk about the features on the streamlined diesel locomotive and pull a short commuter train over the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. The Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division F59PHI is […]

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Ballard to provide more hydrogen engines for CPKC locomotive program

Green and gray cowl locomotive with blue trim

BURNABY, British Columbia — Ballard Power Systems will provide 18 additional hydrogen fuel cell engines to Canadian Pacific Kansas City for expansion of the CPKC hydrogen locomotive program, Ballard announced today (July 27). The 200-kilowatt engines are planned for delivery this year. Specific details on CPKC’s plans for their locomotive use were not immediately available. […]

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Michigan tourist railroads you must visit

black steam locomotive with large smoke plume on a clear blue sky day

Though not as vibrant as it used to be, Michigan is still synonymous with its historic automotive industry. However, the lore of railroading across the Great Lakes State is no slouch. There are many preservation movements in the form of tourist railroads, museums, and displays. From someone who called Michigan home for seven years, here […]

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Norfolk Southern, SMART-TD announce plan to improve conductor trainee program

Crew member riding on locomotive steps

Norfolk Southern and the union representing conductors will collaborate on efforts to improve the training program for conductor trainees and increase compensation for conductors who provide the training, the two parties announced Wednesday. The agreement by NS and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) comes after the Federal […]

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CSX seeks to overturn Pennsylvania community’s grade-crossing citations

CSX logo

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Police in Chambersburg have cited CSX Transportation 49 times this year for violation of a state blocked-crossing law, the local newspaper reports. The railroad is seeking to invalidate those citations on the grounds the law is not enforceable. The Chambersburg Public Opinion reports Chambersburg police began tracking issues at Orchard Drive in […]

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Vermont Rail System repairs continue

Aerial view of landslide under railroad tracks

RUTLAND, Vt. — Vermont Rail System continues to make progress in repairs to flood damage sustained by its lines earlier this month, company president Selden Houghton told a local news site on Wednesday. “Hopefully, by next week, we’ll be 100% put back together,” Houghton said in a phone interview with the VTDigger. Houghton detailed the […]

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Amtrak highlights advances in accessibility efforts

Amtrak wheelchair lift

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has now brought 117 of its stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and made another 67 stations accessible under its ADA Act Stations Program, the passenger operator said Wednesday in an update on its accessibility efforts. Another 39 stations are scheduled for completion this year at a forecast cost […]

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