Must-see big steam for 2024

From tourist line operations to a transnational tour, see which of these big locomotives will be in steam and a must-see for 2024! Additional locomotives and schedules are expected to be added throughout the year based on upcoming news and announcements. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date list of the must-see big steam for […]

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Long-Haul Luxury Coach Trains

U.S. railroads introduced long-haul luxury coach trains in the 20th century to attract a more budget-conscious traveler.     In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the worst of the Great Depression in the U.S. was over, and railroads began to invest in new passenger equipment; both new diesel motive power, and a radical new […]

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Diesel helpers often lend a hand on mainline steam excursions

“Diesel Helpers” are two buzzwords associated with today’s mainline steam excursions – from short lines to Class I railroads, and even selected tourist railroads off the national network. The use of one, or lack thereof, differs between railroads, organizations, and their operating preferences. Some are comfortable letting the steam locomotive travel solo. Others would prefer […]

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Athearn HO General Electric AC4400CW

A General Electric AC4400CW diesel locomotive has joined the Athearn Genesis lineup. And no, this isn’t just an upgraded version of the “blue box” kit from the 1990s. The newly tooled six-axle road locomotive is offered with railroad-specific details, a full cab interior, and light-emitting-diode lighting, among other features. The prototype The sample we received […]

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Interim Strasburg chief named after president resigns (updated)

STRASBURG, Pa. — Strasburg Rail Road has named Eric Hoerner, a Lancaster, Pa., business executive, as its board chairman and interim president, following the Feb. 26 resignation of the steam tourist line’s president and general manager, Jim Hager. Hoerner becomes the fifth person since 2018 to lead the 192-year-old short line. He is founder, partner, and […]

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Classic Trains Film Archive | Colorado and Wyoming, J. David Ingles Reel 14

Classic Trains Film Archive | Colorado and Wyoming, J. David Ingles Reel 14  – Amidst the Great Plains states of Colorado and Wyoming, J. David Ingles vintage color footage captures notable classic railroads, including Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Colorado & Wyoming; Rio Grande; Santa Fe; Union Pacific; and even Sperry Rail Service! ………………………………… Look back […]

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John Emery Trust awards $250,000 in preservation grants for 2024

The John Emery Rail Heritage Trust has selected 18 applicants to receive a total of $250,000 in awards for its 2024 grants. The awards were selected from 31 applications requestion almost $850,000. They come from the trust created by Emery, a long-time Chicago resident and rail enthusiast who wanted to help preserve rail equipment and […]

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One injured in low-speed collision of UP trains in Idaho

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — One crew member was taken to the hospital with a wrist injury after a low-speed, head-on collision between two Union Pacific trains on Monday, the Bonners Ferry Herald reports. The trains collided at an estimated 17 mph shortly before noon, Boundary County public information officer Andrew O’Neel told the newspaper. One […]

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Proposed Utah short line passes environmental review hurdle

WASHINGTON – Federal regulators have concluded that construction of the proposed Savage Tooele Railroad in Utah would have no impact on the environment provided that mitigation measures are followed. The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis on Friday released its final environmental assessment for the proposed short line, which aims to revive Union Pacific’s […]

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West Coast winter weather affects California Zephyr, Empire Builder

CHICAGO — Amtrak’s California Zephyr has been cancelled west of Salt Lake City through the weekend as weather forecasters are predicting heavy snow will pound Donner Pass and the Sierra Nevada mountains through Saturday. Service on the Seattle segment of the Empire Builder route was also disrupted this week. Trouble started early Thursday when the […]

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Built by Others: Fred Ciocciola’s PRR-inspired layout

Built by Others is an article series showcasing layouts constructed by modelers using plans and projects from the pages of Model Railroader and its associated products. The New York, New Haven & Hartford RR originally appeared in the pages of Model Railroader in August of 2004. Fred Ciocciola adjusted this trackplan to fit the space he had […]

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