Parts of an Electro-Motive Division GP15-1 diesel locomotive

Photo of front of HO scale four-axle hood unit on white background

Parts of an Electro-Motive Division GP15-1 diesel locomotive Electro-Motive Division (EMD) produced the GP15-1 diesel locomotive from June 1976 through March 1982. During that time, 310 units were built. The four-axle road switcher was equipped with a 1,500hp 12-645E diesel engine, a D32 generator, and D77B traction motors. Original owners included Chicago & North Western […]

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Illinois grain worker killed when Trackmobile is struck by train (updated)

Norfolk Southern logo

STONINGTON, Ill. — A 69-year-old worker at a grain elevator was killed and a Norfolk Southern train was derailed after a collision between the train and a Trackmobile on Friday. WAND-TV reports the employee of the Legacy Grain Cooperative was operating the railcar moving equipment when it crossed into the path of the oncoming NS […]

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Pandemic, war among reasons for delay in opening Montreal light rail, officials say

Map of Montreal light rail system under construction

MONTREAL — Issues ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the financial impacts of the war in Ukraine have led to the latest delay in opening the first segment of Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain light rail system, officials of the organization building the REM said on Friday. The CBC reports Jean-Marc Arbaud, CEO of CDPQ Infra […]

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STB turns down bid to purchase part of former Northwestern Pacific line

Map of the former Northwestern Pacific

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has denied a bid by the owner of the Skunk Train tourist operation to acquire 13 miles of abandoned Northwestern Pacific right-of-way, increasing the likelihood the entire route will become a public trail. In a Thursday decision, the board ruled that Mendocino Railways, the Skunk Train owner, “has failed […]

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34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper from Wm. K. Walthers Inc.

Model of orange two-bay hopper

34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $31.98 (undecorated, $29.98) Era: 1970s to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com 34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper features: Factory-applied door and brake details Heavy die-cast metal underframe 36” metal wheelsets with RP-25 contours Proto-Max metal couplers Road names: Gifford […]

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Rail Passengers Association calls for federal review of Wolverine incident

Passenger train on straight track

WASHINGTON — The Rail Passenger Association is asking for an expedited federal review of the disastrous 19-hour trip of an Amtrak Wolverine train earlier this month — a 304-mile trip that should take less than six hours — and is asking to be allowed to observe that review when it takes place. That Oct. 7 […]

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Government order requires extensive inspections, tests for VIA heritage fleet

Side view of passenger train with coach behind observation car

  OTTAWA — The Safety Order issued Thursday by Transport Canada appears to require VIA Rail Canada to continue to use unoccupied end-of-train buffer cars through 2023, and recommends “operational measures and additional analysis” until VIA undertakes “a structural reinforcement and repair program” of its entire heritage fleet of stainless steel, head-end-power rolling stock. The […]

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Intermodal service has improved since summer, J.B. Hunt executives say

LOWELL, Ark. — Railroads’ intermodal service improved considerably during the third quarter, J.B. Hunt executives said this week on the company’s earnings call. “Rail service has shown real signs of improvement in both velocity and reliability during the quarter with positive momentum building, the most notable increase coming from our friends at the BNSF,” J.B. […]

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California awards contracts for design work on first high-speed stations

Illustration of arch-shaped structure across rail line

SACRAMENTO — The California High-Speed Rail Authority has awarded its first contract for design of stations on the initial segment of the rail operation in the state’s Central Valley. The Fresno Bee reports the board has awarded a $35.3 million, 30-month contract for preliminary site planning and design for stations in Fresno, Merced, Hanford, and […]

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New delay to be announced for Montreal light rail system

Rail transit vehicle in snow

MONTREAL — Officials will announce another delay in opening Montreal’s Réseau Express Métropolitain light-rail system today, according to media reports. The Montreal Gazette, citing reports from La Presse and Radio-Canada, the French-language arm of the CBC, says the first segment of the system between Montreal’s Central Station and the South Shore municipality of Brossard will […]

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DC Metro says it lacks equipment to start service to Dulles Airport, blames safety agency

DC Metrorail train

WASHINGTON — DC Metro says it is ready to open its Silver Line extension to Dulles International Airport in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday Rush but lacks the equipment to do so — and is blaming the watchdog Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. In a Wednesday press release, Metro said the Silver Line is “operationally ready,” […]

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