Wabtec introduces new locomotive in Brazil

Side view of blue and silver locomotive

CONTAGEM, Brazil — Wabtec is introducing a new heavy-haul locomotive in Brazil designed to address decarbonization concerns while providing similar performance. The ES44ACi features a 12-cylinder Evolution Series diesel engine, producing the same 4,500 horsepower as the 16-cylinder FDL engine in its predecessor. “This represents greater energy efficiency and lower emissions,” Daniela Ornelas, Wabtec vice […]

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Ask MR: How do I gap track that’s already laid?

A razor saw cuts track glued down to blue expanded-foam insulation board.

Q: How can N scale code 80 nickel-silver track that’s already in place and anchored to a layout be cut for block separation? What are the pros and cons of any methods suggested? The track is a combination of Bachmann EZ Track, Kato Unitrack, Atlas sectional and flextrack, and Peco sectional and flextrack. – Pete […]

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Patchout equipment you can model for your layout

Photo of HO scale end-cab locomotive in weather-beaten orange-and-black paint scheme.

The colorful world of patchout equipment you can model   Patchout equipment you can model: I remember when I placed Milwaukee, Racine & Troy MP15AC no. 1505 on our HO scale staff layout for the first time. Andy Sperandeo looked at the model, shook his head, and said, “Cody, there was a time when the […]

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Maryland tower to be moved this weekend

CSX logo

BRUNSWICK, Md. — A century-old interlocking tower built by the Baltimore & Ohio is slated to be moved from CSX Transportation property to city-owned land this weekend, the Frederick News-Post reports. The West Brunswick Tower, built in 1910 and removed from service by CSX in 2011, will be moved about 100 feet from its current […]

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Will autonomous trucks put the iron horse out to pasture? – Analysis

There’s no question that autonomous trucks pose a threat to the railroad industry. They’re not here quite yet, but TuSimple is proving the concept with driverless rigs that are making revenue runs on highways in the Southwest. And other companies are working to develop battery-electric trucks. If proven feasible and deployed in sufficient numbers, driverless […]

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Biden budget includes more funds for passenger rail, transit projects

Head-on view of passenger train with road-switcher-stye locomotive

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2023 budget recommendations call for a significant boost over previous levels of rail funding, on top of amounts already appropriated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. But like all Executive Branch budgets, they are only suggestions meant to guide Congress’ spending priorities. The Federal Railroad Administration’s budget request is $4.66 […]

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Model railroad announcements for March 31, 2022

Photo of HO scale streamlined E1A and E1B diesel locomotives painted red and silver on scenicked base.

Product news 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. Here are the model railroad announcements on products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 31, 2022.   HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive […]

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Grain shippers complain about delays on BNSF, NS, and UP

Freight train passing grain elevator

WASHINGTON — The trade group representing grain producers says severe delays on BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific have forced its members to shut down flour mills as well as feed mills that produce food for livestock. The National Grain and Feed Association outlined the rail service problems in a letter posted to the […]

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Service disrupted on two MBTA transit lines

Portion of map showing transit lines in central Boston

BOSTON — A partial collapse of a parking garage has led the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to suspend service on parts of two transit lines as of this morning (Monday, March 28). Orange Line subway service has suspended for a seven-station segment between the Back Bay and North Station stops, while a bus bridge is […]

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