Landmark former PRR tower facing demolition

Train passing brick tower in snow

MG Tower, a landmark on the former Pennsylvania Railroad Pittsburgh Line through the Allegheny Mountains, is reportedly facing demolition by current owner Norfolk Southern 27 years after its closure. The tower was built to help the Pennsylvania deal with the increased demand to transport war materials, troops, civilian passenger trains, and regular freight shipments.  In […]

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Obituaries: Marvin Cohen, Pete Reimer

Man holding books

Steam Directory editor, heritage rail pioneer Marvin Cohen Marvin Cohen, editor of the Steam Directory from 1966 to 1989, passed away at home in Middletown, N.Y. on Dec. 10, 2020, at age 93. Mark Smith, Cohen’s successor, credited Cohen with an “incalculable contribution” to the heritage rail industry by creating the “bible of the industry.” […]

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Maine’s WW&F Museum to build new roundhouse

Computer illustration of building

ALNA, Maine — The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum’s board of directors endorsed a plan for a new roundhouse during its monthly meeting on March 13, thanks to a generous donation by a long-time member. Jason Lamontage, museum superintendent and chief mechanical officer, said, “The roundhouse will be much more than a replica of […]

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Digest: No. 1309 fully operational, Western Maryland Scenic says

Steam train

Western Maryland Scenic says No. 1309 is being prepared for FRA inspection Western Maryland Scenic Railroad officials say C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is “100% operational” and believe the locomotive will be operating this summer, although it awaits a few parts and must address “a few leaks” before receiving its Federal Railroad Administration inspection. The Cumberland […]

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Wabtec to acquire maintenance-of-way equipment firm Nordco

Nordco Logo

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec Corp. has announced a “definitive agreement” to acquire Nordco, a supplier of new, rebuilt, and used maintenance-of-way equipment, from Greenbriar Equity Group LP for $400 million in cash. Nordco’s product line includes mobile railcar movers and ultrasonic rail flaw detection technologies, with equipment and services supporting North American customers ranging from Class […]

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Emery Rail Heritage Trust announces 2021 awards

Emery Rail Heritage Trust logo

The John Emery Rail Heritage Trust has awarded 22 grants totaling almost $325,000 for rail preservation projects in 2021, with 20 new awards joining two projects previously receiving funding. The awards come from 41 applicants seeking grants totaling more than $1 million. The trust was established by long-time Chicago resident John Emery to preserve equipment […]

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