Senate confirms David Fink as leader of Federal Railroad Administration

Man at microphone gesturing as he speaks

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed David Fink’s nomination as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. In a 51-47 vote along party lines, Fink was confirmed as part of a block of 107 nominees who had been awaiting confirmation. President Donald Trump nominated Fink in January. Trump said the former Pan Am Railways […]

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Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45

Color photo showing front of HO scale diesel with cowl body painted orange and black on white background.

Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $219.99 to $229.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, $319.99 to $329.99 Era: 1967 to mid-1990s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45 features: Body-mounted McHenry […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Lionel Service Repair Manager Savathdy My

Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Service Repair Manager Savathdy My as they discuss the Lionel Trains LLC warranty program. Savathdy relays how contacting Lionel via talktous@lionel.com is the best path for the fastest service, which sets up an RA (Return Authorization) and prepaid label. When shipping, he encourages customers to use bubble […]

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Norfolk Southern bounces back under CEO Mark George

Black locomotive with train with yellow locomotives in background

First of two parts ATLANTA — No matter how you look at it, Mark George had an eventful first year at the helm of Norfolk Southern — even setting aside the historic deal to create the first transcontinental railroad through a merger with Union Pacific. George was named chief executive on Sept. 11, 2024, after CEO […]

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Rapido HO Canadian National Hawker Siddeley van

Color photo of HO scale caboose painted red and black with white graphics on white background.

Rapido HO Canadian National Hawker Siddeley van Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $129.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO Canadian National Hawker Siddeley van features: Clear window glazing Detailed, multi-color interior Detailed underbody with separate air and brake piping End details, including air hoses and uncoupling levers Factory-installed and […]

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Friends of EBT announce 2026 fundraising campaign after record 2025 effort

Steam locomotive with hopper cars

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The Friends of the East Broad Top has launched its 2026 fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise $350,000 for projects including the heritage railroad’s ongoing “March to Saltillo” extension of its operable trackage. The 2026 campaign, announced last weekend in connection with the annual EBT Fall Reunion, follows a 2025 campaign […]

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SEPTA service sees disruptions as Silverliner inspections begin

Meet of electric multiple-unit commuter trains

PHILADELPHIA — Passengers on Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority passengers on Regional Rail service are experiencing more crowded trains, as well as some delays and cancellations, as SEPTA begins federally mandated inspections to address concerns over fire risks with its Silverliner IV electric multiple unit passenger equipment. As of Monday, Sept. 6, all Regional Rail trains […]

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Lionel Bobblehead Collection Unveiled to Celebrate 125th Anniversary

four lion custom bobbleheads

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a Lionel Trains® Bobblehead Collection to celebrate the American toy train brand’s 125th Anniversary. The bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Lionel Trains LLC. The four limited-edition bobbleheads feature Lionel’s long-time mascot, Lenny. Lenny the […]

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MTA CEO blasts Amtrak for delays on Penn Access project (additional update)

Man speaking at podium

NEW YORK — Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber has blasted Amtrak for a lack of cooperation on the Penn Access infrastructure project, saying the situation is “outrageous, and it’s been a problem from the start of that project.“ Amtrak, which initially called Lieber’s statements “misinformation,” updated its initial statement Tuesday afternoon with details on […]

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News & Products for the week of October 6th 2025

A model diesel electric locomotive

News & Products for the week of October 6th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of October 6th, […]

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