Amtrak cancels more trains as winter storm advances

Passenger train with BNSF locomotive leading four other diesels under signal bridge

CHICAGO — As predictions of high winds and subzero temperatures move east, Amtrak has cancelled all service on some regional and long-distance routes while maintaining reduced service on others. Amtrak had originally planned to maintain full service on Friday, Dec. 23, after projecting cancellations for Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday [see “Amtrak cancels Empire Builder, thins […]

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Metra plans reduced schedules Friday because of winter storm

Commuter train in snow

CHICAGO — Commuter rail operator Metra will operate a modified Saturday schedule on most lines Friday, Dec. 23, as blizzard conditions are forecast for the Chicago area and many commuters will already have begun their Christmas holiday. Regular schedules are planned for today (Thursday, Dec. 22), although passengers are advised to allow extra travel time […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Timelapse Trek to the Tracks

In this extra-long, extended-length, timelapse video (1 hour 20 minutes!), our intrepid railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman has a long way to go, but makes a point to enjoy the entire journey to, about, and from his favorite trackside destination – Big Sky Country! You’ve seen Tom’s meticulous preparations to his trail-rated 4×4 truck in previous […]

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News photos: Hamilton, Ohio, station on the move

Building moves onto new lot

HAMILTON, Ohio — The move is in progress today for the first of two structures that make up the Hamilton, Ohio, railroad station — a structure dating to the 1850s and with a history including visits from at least four U.S. presidents. The station, donated to the city by CSX Transportation, is being located from […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Timelapse Trek to the Tracks

In this extra-long, extended-length, timelapse video (1 hour 20 minutes!), our intrepid railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman has a long way to go, but makes a point to enjoy the entire journey to, about, and from his favorite trackside destination – Big Sky Country! You’ve seen Tom’s meticulous preparations to his trail-rated 4×4 truck in previous […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Timelapse Trek to the Tracks

In this extra-long, extended-length, timelapse video (1 hour 20 minutes!), our intrepid railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman has a long way to go, but makes a point to enjoy the entire journey to, about, and from his favorite trackside destination – Big Sky Country! You’ve seen Tom’s meticulous preparations to his trail-rated 4×4 truck in previous […]

Read More…

FTA announces $686 million in grants for transit station accessibility

Federal Transit Administration logo

WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Adminstration on Monday announced approximately $686 million in grant funding for accessibility upgrades at transit stations across the United States. The grants represent the first round of funding under the new All Station Accessibility Program, or ASAP, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. They will go to 15 projects in […]

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Metra to replace three Electric Line stations on South Side

Metra Electric train arriving at station

CHICAGO — Metra’s board of directors on Wednesday approved a $33.9 million contract to rebuild stations on the Metra Electric Line on Chicago’s South Side, making the stations accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The rebuilds of the 79th, 87th, and 103rd Street stations is part of a larger effort, the Metra […]

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Lionel ES44AC locomotive personifies modern power

O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive

The O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive is a release that really captures the essence of modern rail power. This Legacy model has returned rather quickly to the train-maker’s catalog in 2022 with new road names. Those include several heritage paint schemes, like the Canadian National’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern livery shown in this video. With […]

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The O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive personifies modern power

O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive

The O gauge Lionel ES44AC locomotive is a release that really captures the essence of modern rail power. This Legacy model has returned rather quickly to the train-maker’s catalog in 2022 with new road names. Those include several heritage paint schemes, like the Canadian National’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern livery shown in this video. With […]

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