New York’s Grand Central: navigating between ‘Terminal’ and ‘Madison’

People walking on platform after arriving at station

NEW YORK — “Putting it Together” (Trains Magazine, July 2023) — a look at major commuter rail projects in the New York area — explains how Long Island Rail Road trains now serve a massive underground station next to venerable Grand Central Terminal, home to Metro North’s Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven routes. Commuters connecting […]

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Virginia Museum of Transportation sets presentations on N&W 611

NW611JamestownNCWrinnSept2018

ROANOKE, Va. — The Virginia Museum of Transportation will offer special “behind the scenes” presentations this weekend on Norfolk & Western No. 611 while the Class J 4-8-4 is home at the museum. The presentation will be offered twice on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again on Sunday at 1:30 […]

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Vancouver’s West Coast Express expands service

Blue, yellow, and white locomotive at station

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Commuter rail service West Coast Express has expanded service to and from Vancouver as of Monday, June 19, thanks to introduction of a trainset with a newly refurbished locomotive. It marks the first time WCE has offered five weekday round trips since 2020. The new equipment will make two round trips […]

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Adding diesel sound to American Flyer trains

Adding diesel sound to American Flyer trains

Adding diesel sound to American Flyer trains is easier than ever thanks to ready-made electronics. If you can accomplish basic wiring tasks, you can install the needed components. I run a mix of postwar American Flyer and Flyer produced by Lionel. That means with newer stuff I’m quite used to the sounds of modern electronics […]

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News & Products for the week of June 19th 2023

An image of a model caboose converted to a concession stand

News & Products for the week of June 19th 2023 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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of June 19th 2023. […]

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Santa Fe No. 3415 headlines tourist railroad’s anniversary

Steam locomotive with passenger car and gondola for riders in field with trees in background.

ABILENE, Kan. — In commemoration of the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad’s 30th anniversary, steam locomotive No. 3415 was in full operation on June 17 and 18. The Pacific was sidelined the previous Sunday due to feedwater issues with repairs completed last week in preparation for the Father’s Day weekend. “The feedwater issue last week […]

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Find space in a small railroad for a point-to-point line

structures installed on garden railway next to fence

My railroad is located in the last 12 feet at the end of my backyard and occupies an area about 12’ x 43’, with no hope for expansion. Although I’m generally happy with the 120’ of track in a folded dog bone configuration, I’m always looking for ways to add more track without making it […]

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News photos: Northern Central’s celebration

Passenger train with replica vintage steam locomotive and 0-4-0T engine.

NEW FREEDOM, Pa. — Northern Central Railway of York hauled more than 500 passengers on six trips during the weekend-long 10th anniversary celebration for the non-profit operation [see “Pennsylvania’s Northern Central Railway to mark 10th anniversary,” Trains News Wire, June 14, 2023]. Trips were powered by the railway’s Kloke 4-4-0 No. 17; Northern Central GP9 […]

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Investigation begins after autonomous ore train derails in Australia

Image of derailed ore hoppers

KARRATHA, Australia — Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has begun an investigation after 30 cars of one of its autonomous iron ore trains derailed Saturday. National broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corp. reports the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator had been notified. The ONRSR told the Australian Associated Press that initial indications were that onboard […]

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Honolulu rail system to be known as ‘Skyline’

White light rail train with green trim

HONOLULU — Hawaii’s new rail transit system has a new name. The long-delayed, much troubled light rail project — known throughout construction by the name of the agency responsible, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation — was rebranded as “Skyline” on Friday by city officials. A city press release says Skyline was “one of many […]

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Brightline set for more 110-mph testing in Florida’s Martin County

Train approaches after passing through small S curve

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline will resume testing at speeds up to 110 mph in Martin County, Fla., Wednesday through Friday of this week, June 21-23 — testing that will also impact the St. Lucie River drawbridge in Stuart, Fla. It had initially been scheduled to being today (Monday, June 19). Testing is scheduled for 6 […]

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