How do I build a layout swing gate?

A section of a train layout built on a swinging gate stands open, giving access to a home furnace behind it

Q: On page 45 of the Nov. 2022 issue, a swing gate is shown as part of Mark Carlson’s Chicago & North Western layout. It looks like a marvelous way of avoiding duckunders, lift bridges, and other methods of entering an around-the-room layout. Are there any alignment problems or inherent sagging issues of which builders […]

Read More…

Whitcomb 65-tonner diesel locomotive from PIKO America

Navy blue locomotive with orange stripe; Piko whitcomb 65-tonner

Whitcomb 65-tonner Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct current, $279.99; with PIKO SmartSound 5.1 sound decoder, $389.99 Era: 1940s+ (depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: PIKO America LLC, 4610 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Ste. 5, San Diego, CA 92120; piko-america.com Whitcomb 65-tonner features: Diecast chassis and hood Metal handrails Factory-applied details Maryland Midland locomotives feature American-style end beams, fully enclosed around the […]

Read More…

EMD E7 from American Z Line

A black locomotive with white stripe

EMD E7 from American Z Line Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 1945+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com EMD E7 features: 7mm motor dual flywheels prototype specific details directional controlled light-emitting diode lighting optional front truck with mounted coupler blackened metal wheels AutoLatch couplers DCC ready Release date: […]

Read More…

Arbitration argument continues to hang over Southwest Chief cases in state court

Aerial view of derailed train with cars on their sides

  KEYTESVILLE, Mo. — Arguments in federal court over an arbitration requirement included in Amtrak ticket purchases remain a sticking point in state court suits from June’s fatal derailment of the Southwest Chief near Mendon, Mo., KMBC-TV reports. In Thursday arguments in Chariton County Circuit Court, BNSF and Amtrak argued that passengers agreed to settle […]

Read More…

Agricultural shippers urge Congress to prevent national railroad strike or lockout

red, yellow and other colors on a locomotive

ARLINGTON, Va. — Agricultural shippers have urged Congress to prevent a national railroad strike or lockout, which they said would have “devastating consequences to our national and global food security.” A railroad network shutdown would exacerbate agricultural shipping challenges, which include rail congestion on the big four U.S. systems, record low water levels that have […]

Read More…

Meeting explores prospects for passenger route linking Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth

Map of rail route west from Meridian, Miss., to Shreveport, La., and Dallas-Fort Worth

MONROE, La. — Officials and other interested parties from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama met Thursday in Monroe to discuss funding efforts needed to launch service I-20 Corridor Passenger Rail Service, a proposal for an Amtrak route linking Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as existing Texas Eagle, City of New Orleans, and Crescent operations, […]

Read More…

Caltrain names Bouchard as executive director

Caltrain logo

SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Michelle Bouchard, who has been acting executive director of Caltrain since April 2021,  has been named as the commuter operator’s first permanent executive director. The Caltrain board of directors announced Bouchard’s unanimous appointment on Thursday, Nov. 3. “Michelle has been a dynamic and engaged leader for Caltrain,” Caltrain Board Chair Steve […]

Read More…

American Z Line ALCO PA1

Model of dark green and gold streamlined diesel locomotive

American Z Line ALCO PA1 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Late 1940s+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com ALCO PA1 features: prototype specific details 7mm can motor dual flywheels directional controlled light-emitting diode lighting six-axle trucks with blind middle axle blackened metal wheels traction tires optional snowplow, optional […]

Read More…

House Republicans ask Amtrak to explain executive bonuses

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Republican members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have asked Amtrak board chairman Tony Coscia for a briefing to explain “six-figure bonuses to top executives paid largely from taxpayer funds, even while the company experienced historic financial and ridership losses.” A letter released by Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, ranking member of […]

Read More…