CN updates sustainability data for 2021

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National has released the 2021 data supplement to its sustainability report, providing information on the railroad’s progress in meeting its environmental and other social goals. Among the data released: — The railroad reduced its greenhouse gas emission intensity by 3.3% from 2020 and has reached 15% progress toward its target of a […]

Read More…

Rail strike averted for now, but the industry’s not out of the woods yet: Analysis

Two crew members stand next to their train as another train passes

The prospect of a disruptive U.S. freight railroad strike was averted thanks to the tentative deal reached overnight between the Class I railroads and the labor unions that represent engineers and conductors, but three key questions remain unanswered. And all of them suggest that railroads, their workers, shippers, and the U.S. economy are not out […]

Read More…

Pullman-Standard 60-foot flatcar from Walthers

Model of yellow flatcar with white background

Pullman-Standard 60-foot flatcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $34.98 Era: 1960s to present (depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com 60-foot Pullman-Standard flatcar features: Detailed decks for different prototype configurations Board pattern with wood grain and bolt details Brake wheel cutout as appropriate Detailed brake gear […]

Read More…

What tools and glues do I need for kitbashing a vehicle?

A razor saw is used to cut through a plastic model diesel shell

Q: I have an HO scale plastic bus. I want to cut out a section in the middle in order to shorten it. I’m looking for suggestions as to what tools and techniques will give me the best results when cutting out the sections of roof, sides, and undercarriage. I’m also looking for suggestions as […]

Read More…

The Trains Interview: A Q&A with new CSX Transportation CEO Joseph Hinrichs

Man leading against vehicle at auto assembly plant

Trains spoke with incoming CSX Transportation CEO Joseph R. Hinrichs today about his goals for the railroad that he’ll begin leading on Sept. 26. Hinrichs, 55, is an outsider who comes to CSX after a 30-year career in the auto industry. He previously served as president of Ford Motor Co.’s automotive business. The question-and-answer session […]

Read More…

Railroads, commuter operators shift to return to normal operation (updated)

Container train passing overhead signals

Freight railroads have begun informing customers they are returning to business as usual, after halting some operations in preparation for a work stoppage. Commuter operators are returning to normal plans, as well. A stoppage was averted when railroads and unions reached tentative labor agreements early this morning following a marathon bargaining session [see “Freight railroad […]

Read More…

Rapido Alco PA-1 and PB-1 series diesel locomotives

Two red and silver streamlined diesel locomotives

Alco PA-1 and PB-1 diesel locomotives Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model – PA-1, $225; PA-1 and PB-1 set, $425. With dual-mode sound decoder – PA-1, $335; PA-1 and PB-1 set, $625. Era: 1946 to 1970s (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Alco PA and PB […]

Read More…

CSX taps former Ford Motor Co. executive as next CEO

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation on Thursday named former Ford Motor Co. executive Joseph R. Hinrichs as its next chief executive officer. Hinrichs, 55, will succeed CEO Jim Foote, who will retire on Sept. 26. Hinrichs has more than 30 years’ experience in the global automotive, manufacturing, and energy sectors, previously serving as president of […]

Read More…

Freight railroad strike averted thanks to tentative contract agreements (continuing updates)

Men holding picket signs

WASHINGTON — The first freight railroad strike in three decades has been averted under a tentative deal reached overnight between Class I railroads and three labor unions, the White House announced early Thursday morning. The Class I railroads reached tentative agreements with unions representing engineers, conductors, and signalmen after 20 hours of negotiations at the […]

Read More…