Rapido Trains Inc. has released an updated version of its highly detailed HO scale model of United Aircraft’s TurboTrain. The firm is calling this release TurboTrain 2.0. Much like the real high-speed train sets developed and built in the late 1960s and then upgraded through their service lives, Rapido’s own HO scale model of the […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Amtrak NextGen Acela debut set for Aug. 28
WASHINGTON — Amtrak announced today that the first five Next Generation Acela trainsets will begin operating over its Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor on Thursday, Aug. 28. Information regarding which departures will be new Acelas and when they can be booked was not initially revealed. “As the official launch date approaches, customers should look for more information […]
Kato HO scale GE P42
Kato HO scale GE P42 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current models, $210 to $220; with pre-installed ESU LokSound sound decoder, $398 to $420 Era: 1996 to present (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Kato USA Inc., 100 Remington Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-781-9500; katousa.com Kato HO scale GE P42 features: Both trucks have coreless motor, […]
California Zephyr’s many plusses impacted by staffing: Amtrak trip report
CHICAGO — A text and email alert received overnight by passengers ticketed on Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr departing Denver Monday, July 28, warned, “Train 6 will have reduced seating capacity due to unplanned equipment maintenance needs. Passengers may have difficulty finding seats. Passengers are encouraged to rebook travel if possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.” […]
New boarding platform opens at Washington Union Station
WASHINGTON — Amtrak has opened a new track and platform at Washington Union Station, expanding the facility’s capacity. Track 22, on the station’s lower level, previously was a storage track with no passenger access. It will primarily serve Virginia Railway Express commuter trains, as well as Amtrak long distance and Virginia trains. The project required […]
STB grants Amtrak request to end Sunset Limited case
WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has granted Amtrak’s request to dismiss the passenger operator’s complaint over handling of the Sunset Limited and close the board’s investigation into the matter. “The Board favors parties coming together to voluntarily resolve disputes whenever possible, and I commend the parties here for finding a mutually satisfactory outcome,” STB […]
Amtrak overall on-time performance remains below FRA standard
WASHINGTON — None of Amtrak’s three business segments achieved the target of 80% customer on-time performance in the second quarter of 2025, the fourth consecutive quarter that has been the case. The quarterly on-time performance report was released last week by the Federal Railroad Administration. State-supported trains fared best in statistics released by the Federal Railroad […]
Four Amtrak Cascades trains cancelled today; systemwide mechanical issues continue
SEATTLE — Evidence that Amtrak is literally running the wheels off of its available equipment became apparent today (Sunday, Aug. 3) when both Oregon-owned Series 8 Talgo trainsets in Amtrak Cascades service were sidelined because of condemned wheels. The setback follows a week in which passengers on many routes across the country encountered significant equipment […]
Amtrak, Union Pacific reach settlement in Sunset Limited case (updated)
WASHINGTON — Amtrak and Union Pacific have reached a settlement in their dispute over performance of the Sunset Limited and have asked the Surface Transportation Board to end its investigation into the train’s handling. An Amtrak filing on Thursday, July 31, asks that the STB case — the first of its kind regarding host-railroad handling […]
Numbers-heavy Amtrak public board meeting reveals gains, challenges: Analysis
WASHINGTON — An on-line-only public Amtrak board of directors meeting today (July 31, 2025) lasted only 45 minutes and concluded with a flashy video embedded in a PowerPoint presentation extolling the virtues of the company’s long-awaited Next Generation Acela trainsets. But no date for its Northeast Corridor revenue service introduction was announced. Amtrak president Roger […]
Amtrak names Corneanu as chief financial officer
WASHINGTON — Costin Corneanu has been named as Amtrak’s executive vice president, chief financial officer, effective Aug. 4. The Amtrak board approved the appointment today (July 31, 2025). Corneanu will succeed Tracie Winbigler, who will retire on Jan. 1, 2026. Until then, she will remain in her executive vice president role as chief transformation officer. […]
Bill to support rail electrification reintroduced in Congress
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) have reintroduced a bill that would devote $200 billion over a five-year period for rail projects including high speed rail and electrification of some lines. The All Aboard Act, announced by Markey on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) revives legislation introduced late in 2024 […]
