News photos: NS train derails near Horseshoe Curve

Overturned trailers on flatcars

ALTOONA, Pa. — A westbound Norfolk Southern intermodal train has derailed near Horseshoe curve, leading authorities to ask the public to stay away from the area. Photographer D. Collin Reinhart reports the derailment of westbound train 21G occurred Monday afternoon on Main 2 in the area of Allegrippus Curve, blocking all three tracks, and only […]

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Fertilizer shippers single out CSX Transportation service problems

Train crossing bridge

WASHINGTON — The association representing fertilizer shippers says federal regulators should put CSX Transportation under the microscope due to widespread service problems that stem from a shortage of train crews. “For the past several months, CSX has had serious rail service problems, hindering the fertilizer industry’s ability to serve its farmer customers,” Corey Rosenbusch, chief […]

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MBTA says issues with wheelsets led to Orange Line derailment

Rapid transit trainset in factory

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has identified the primary causes of the March 16, 2021, derailment of an Orange Line train near Wellington station in Medford, Mass, deputy general manager Jeffrey Gonneville said during Monday’s meeting of the board which oversees the MBTA. The slow-speed derailment led the agency to remove from service […]

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California’s Fillmore & Western to cease operations

Steam-powered tourist train

FILLMORE, Calif. — Southern California short line and excursion railroad Fillmore & Western Railway will officially cease operations June 30, 2021. The current operators, Dave and Tresa Wilkinson, are retiring from the tourist railroad business after more than 30 years. They have successfully operated excursion trains, Mystery Dinner trains, and Santa Claus, specials among others. […]

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Build a large-scale, wooden freight car

A large-scale flatcar project

It’s been common practice for railroads to modify antiquated rolling stock to suit a particular need for Maintenance of Way (MOW) equipment. An old flatcar no longer of use for main line service often became an asset for work trains. The flatcar could be repaired, lightly modified, and put into service looking much like it […]

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Visit a garden-railway display at a nature center

A family watches a large-scale train display

For many years I have been a volunteer at our local nature center (Sandy Creek Nature Center of Athens-Clarke Co., GA). It occurred to me that their circular flower and nature gardens would be a perfect setting for a garden railroad. I approached personnel at the center, and they were enthusiastic, as it would create […]

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