Stadler makes US operations a separate division

White factory building with blue doors

BUSSNANG, Switzerland — Rail equipment manufacturer Stadler will make its Stadler US operation a separate North American division as of Jan. 1, 2025, the company has announced. Current Stadler US CEO Martin Ritter will lead the division and become a member of the company’s management board. “We are now strengthening the location to underscore the […]

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Ask Trains.com December 2024 compilation

Ask Trains.com December 2024 compilation | Host Cody Grivno tackles tough topics in model railroading and 1:1 scale railroading too! In this episode he addresses your questions about long-term use of lichen scenery material; selecting the ideal Code of trackwork; finding specific freight car couplers; painting a proper blue sky backdrop; plus a wide array […]

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An engineer’s life: Christmas calendar

green Burlington Northern locomotive

I used to get a bit of grief when I was a new hire from co-workers for being a railfan. Railroaders can sniff out a rail enthusiast from 100 miles away — but I know I was not alone. Personally, I think there are more out there than would ever admit to it. I was […]

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Mexico budgets $7.8 billion for passenger rail projects in 2025

Map showing planned passenger rail projects in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week that the country will spend 157 billion pesos ($7.7 billion) in 2025 as part of its previously announced plan to develop new passenger rail lines, as well as to develop the Yucatán Peninsula’s Maya Train for freight operations. In a Nov. 28 announcement, Sheinbaum said […]

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UP train derails in Texas

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

RINGGOLD, Texas — Twenty-eight cars of a Union Pacific train derailed today near the Texas-Oklahoma state line, KFDX-TV reports. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved. The incident occurred about 1 p.m. north of the community of Ringgold, the Montague County Emergency Communications Team said in a post on Facebook. Cleanup is […]

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Agreement reached for new South Shore route to South Bend airport

South Shore commuter train on S curve

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District has reached an agreement that would allow it to build a new, shorter route into South Bend International Airport, a move that could cut up to 15 minutes off travel times for South Shore Line commuter trains serving the facility. Inside Indiana Business reports that […]

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News & Products for the week of December 2nd 2024

News & Products for the week of December 2nd 2024   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 December 2nd […]

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Three handy tips

underside of flatcar

Easily add weight to flatcar I have a basic flatcar that was giving me problems. The trouble with flatcars is they don’t weigh that much and derail easier than other cars. One solution is to install metal wheels, but I didn’t want the expense plus by leaving the car outdoors I was worried about rust. […]

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Menards Plug and Play lighting system

From the first product releases, the Menards line of Plug & Play buildings have stood out from structures by other O gauge building makers. Interesting designs, add-on detailing, and often unique lighting features such as strobes and flashing signage add to the fun. Most of them look great simply sitting there. Powering them up, though, […]

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