WASHINGTON – A Trump administration port fee proposal designed to boost the U.S. shipbuilding industry could potentially scramble international intermodal traffic, shift some container business to ports in Canada and Mexico, and help Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the process. Last month the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative floated a plan […]
I model the Western Maryland Ry. (WM) from the 1920s to before the start of World War II. Appropriate commercial models of coal hoppers for my modeling era are limited in large scale. I was using LGB two-bay and Bachmann three-bay hoppers as stand-ins, but I wanted accurate, period-specific coal hoppers for my rolling stock […]
Frank Kotnik was introduced to toy trains as a child. Someone gave his father a secondhand Lionel set and accessories from the early 1950s. When Frank was three, around 1963, his dad surprised him with a simple tabletop layout. The engine captivated the young tot, sparking a lifetime interest in the hobby. Frank is a […]
Lionel has reissued the U28C diesel locomotive for the first time since 2012. The model was announced in the 2024 Volume 1 catalog. This six-axle unit was not that common on prototype railroads, and its unique appearance will allow it to stand out on your layout. The prototype was produced by General Electric between February […]
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The strike by 1,500 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers will continue after members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 voted down the latest offer from the VTA board. Public broadcaster KQED reports that in voting today (Monday, March 24) more than 80% rejected the updated offer including 11% in pay […]
ST. LOUIS — Intramotev, the startup company that converts conventional freight cars to battery-electric, self-propelled vehicles, has named rail industry veteran Harry Zander as its chief commercial officer. Zander brings more than 30 years of experience to Intramotev. Most recently, he served as chief revenue officer at shortline railroad holding company Patriot Rail. Zander previously […]
Modeling the small and delicate N scale can be intimidating, especially for beginners. However, with the right setup, you can get the most out of the available space you might not find on a much larger scale. Here are five recommended N scale track plans for beginners. Carolina Central The Carolina Central is a great […]
BOSTON — Massachusetts’ South Coast Rail commuter operation is now officially in service. The 37-mile addition to the MBTA commuter rail network launched today (March 24, 2025), with the Fall River Herald News reporting that well over 100 people were on hand to catch the first train, a scheduled 4:27 a.m. departure from New Bedford. […]
SEATTLE — Amtrak maintenance issues that caused cancellation of Sounder commuter service spilled over into Cascades intercity departures, with buses substituting for Seattle-Eugene, Ore., service because of a shortage of serviceable equipment. Meanwhile, Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr tried to fight its way through a dangerous Nebraska blizzard — and lost. Those were among the operational […]
OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government has added to its financial commitment to the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill, Manitoba, increasing its funding to Ca$175 million over the next five years. The funding announced Friday, March 21, will provide $125 million for operation and maintenance of the 627-mile railway, with a main […]
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The union representing striking Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers called off a scheduled contract vote on Saturday, as the VTA board called a special meeting today (Sunday, March 23) to consider its next steps. KRON-TV reports that a spokesman for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 said the vote was postponed […]
MONTREAL — The Canadian government has announced more than Ca$1.1 billion in additional funding for Quebec City’s light rail project and extension of Montreal’s subway Blue Line. The funding, announced Saturday, March 22, includes Ca$332.3 million for the Quebec City Tramway and more than Ca$650 million for the Metro Blue Line, as well as Ca$202.8 […]
