CPKC joins RailPulse telematics coalition

CALGARY, Alberta – Canadian Pacific Kansas City has become the third Class I railroad to join the RailPulse freight car telematics joint venture. “We are pleased to be a part of RailPulse and to contribute to accelerating adoption of railcar telemetry in North America,” CPKC Chief Marketing Officer John Brooks said in a statement today. […]

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The ever-changing dynamics of shortline railroading

Shortline railroading For many independent shortline operators, staying fiscally sound today means disregarding so much of what was once a winning formula. You know, picking up freight cars at the interchange and delivering them to customers, then dropping off outbounds back at the end of the workday before heading to the barn. If all went […]

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Classic Toy Trains February 2024 new products

Locomotives & rolling stock Mr. Muffin’s Trains has several custom-run items for sale. The first are MTH 50-foot Waffle Boxcars in two paint schemes with two road numbers each: Louisville & Nashville No. 101635 (20-99372), Louisville & Nashville No. 101640 (20-99373), Milwaukee Road No. 4307 (20-99374, shown), and Milwaukee Road No. 4311 (20-99375). Price: $69.95 […]

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Merger application details CN’s plans for Iowa Northern Railway

WASHINGTON — Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the 218-mile Iowa Northern Railway will boost rail competition, divert freight off the highway, and give Iowa shippers broader access to single-line service, CN says in a merger application filed this week with the Surface Transportation Board. CN spent $230 million to acquire the Class III railroad from […]

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A switcher’s life: Boise Locomotive’s MK1200Gs

Boise Locomotive’s MK1200Gs During the heyday of ultra-low emission liquid natural gas as an alternative to diesel propulsion, Boise Locomotive Co. [formerly Morrison Knudsen Rail Co.] produced a quartet of LNG 1,200 hp switchers for domestic use in 1994. Two were sent out into the world to be tested on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa […]

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Meet Jerry Paladino

Meet Jerry Paladino How did you get started in the hobby? I was looking for a hobby that would help me relieve workplace stress. Two friends recommended that I build a model railroad. My Dad and grandfather both worked for Union Pacific in Council Bluffs, as well as in Omaha, so I was already interested […]

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Guide to N scale metal wheelsets

Last month, I wrote about metal wheelsets offered in HO scale. In this guide to N scale metal wheelsets, I’ll cover the options available for those who model in 1:160 proportion. The case for metal wheelsets N scale wheelsets have come a long way since the 1960s and 1970s. For many years, Micro-Trains N scale […]

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