Lionel’s Phantom train is on the rails! We’ve all seen Lionel, MTH, and American Flyer model train sets running under the Christmas tree, but what about for Halloween? CTT editor Hal Miller builds a small layout he calls the Chaos, Tragedy & Terror RR. It captures the spirit of the season with accessories from Woodland […]
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Amtrak to introduce new ticket kiosks
WASHINGTON — Amtrak will begin introducing new ticket kiosk at three Northeast Corridor stations, the beginning of a rollout that will eventually cover more than 150 stations and more than 200 kiosks. Amtrak describes the machines as having “an updated user interface consistent with other Amtrak digital channels that allows for a minimum-touch experience for […]
Model railroad humor: Dining room
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Two unions sue Norfolk Southern over labor dispute
CLEVELAND — Two unions are suing Norfolk Southern over labor practices, seeking an injunction against what they say is a railroad practice of forcing locomotive engineers to work as conductors and disciplining those who don’t. The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Union-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and Brotherhood of Lomocotive Engineers and Trainmen announced Thursday they […]
Canadian Pacific sustainability report highlights environmental, social, safety efforts
CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific has released its 2020 corporate sustainability report, touting its emission reduction targets, development of a hydrogen-powered locomotive, and fuel-efficiency efforts as part of a report that addresses social programs and safety as well as environmental efforts. “We are proud to publish this report, outlining the achievements we have realized on […]
Amtrak, construction union sign agreement for future projects
NEW YORK — Amtrak and a major construction trade union have signed an agreement to provide a work force for projects that will be part of the passenger railroad’s expansion plans. The Memorandum of Understanding between Amtrak and North America’s Building Trades Union (NABTU), which represents more than 3 million construction workers, will help ensure […]
Brookfield, Wis., depot prepared for move
BROOKFIELD, Wis. — One of the last remaining Wisconsin depots on the former Milwaukee Road main line is about to move after being in one place for more than 150 years. The 1867 Brookfield depot will be relocated starting at 10 p.m. on Nov. 4, city Economic Development Coordinator Todd Willis tells Trains News Wire. […]
DC Metrorail service reductions to continue through at least Nov. 15
WASHINGTON — DC Metrorail service will remain at reduced levels through at least Nov. 15, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced at a Thursday board meeting, although the agency will work to increase the number of available cars. WMATA had previously said the reduced service would continue through at least Oct. 31. Under the […]
Camelback ‘Comet’
Camelback Comet Jersey Central Camelback 592 (now preserved in Baltimore) pinch-hits for a regularly assigned 4-6-2 on the Blue Comet at Hammonton, N.J., in the 1930s. With drivers up to 86 inches, Atlantics ruled on fast trains in the 1890s and 1900s before Pacifics superseded them. Granville Thomas photo […]
News Photo: Amtrak Chargers testing in Michigan
An Amtrak test extra — with Siemens Charger ALC42 locomotives Nos. 301 and 300 bracketing a Horizon car and a Viewliner baggage car — heads west from Chelsea, Mich., during the wee hours of Oct. 28, 2021. Nighttime PTC testing for the new locomotives is based at nearby Jackson, Mich. — David Patch […]
Union Pacific on Cajon Pass in the 1940s
Union Pacific on Cajon Pass in the 1940s: Union Pacific operates on Cajon Pass in Southern California as the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. It uses Santa Fe trackage on a rental basis from Daggett, 8 miles east of Barstow, to Riverside, 9 miles south of San Bernardino. This arrangement has been in effect […]
Amtrak extends vaccination deadline, prepares for service reductions
WASHINGTON — Amtrak has extended the deadline for its workers to receive COVID-19 vaccinations to Dec. 8, CEO Bill Flynn said today in a message to employees — and is preparing for possible service reductions if workers leave the company rather than receiving the vaccination. The new date aligns Amtrak’s deadline, which previously had been […]