Diesel locomotive single order units in the mid-20th century

Red and white locomotive in a forested scene.

Diesel locomotive single order units: In the modern era, locomotive orders are typically measured in the dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of units. But orders early in the dieselization of North American railroad would often come in much smaller quantities, down to a single unit. It was commonplace decades ago when customers were more plentiful […]

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Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, Union Pacific agree to donation of Challenger, other locomotives, cars

Large steam locomotive with yellow passenger cars

OMAHA, Neb. and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Union Pacific Railroad and the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America today announced an agreement that will see Challenger No. 3985, 2-10-2 No. 5511, DDA40X No. 6936, and other equipment from UP’s Heritage Fleet donated to RRHMA, which plans to restore both steam locomotives to operating condition. Also being […]

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Atlas O Premier line 40-foot modern tank car

green modern tank car

40-foot modern tank car Scale: O (1:48)  Price: $84.95  Era: 1970s to present (era varies depending on paint scheme)  Manufacturer: Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205, 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com   Modern tank car features:  ABS body  Metal wheelsets with needle-point axles  Die-cast metal trucks and couplers  Available fourth quarter 2022  Road Names: […]

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Ask MR: How do prototype railroads measure track curvature?

A diagram shows how prototype railroads measure the angle of track curvature using a 100-foot chord.

Measuring track curvature Q: Model railroaders measure curves in inches, which is easily understood.  However, prototype railroads measure their curves in degrees. I’m accustomed to degrees as a measure of angles. How do degrees measure radii? – Alan Crouse A: We modelers measure track curvature by radius because it’s convenient. It’s usually easy to locate the center […]

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Port Authority, Watco partner on new Port Birmingham warehouse

Watco logo, new version as of 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has awarded a grant toward a $1.9 million project for a warehouse and other improvements at Watco-served Port Birmingham. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority is contributing $1.1 million toward project, which includes a 25,000-square-foot warehouse and improvements to attract other commodities requiring indoor storage. […]

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American Z Line April 2022 locomotive announcements

green locomotive

Alco PA-1 and Electro-Motive Division locomotive SW1500   Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Alco PA-1, 1949-1960; Electro-Motive Division SW1500, March 1969 to late 1990s Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016, 614-764-1703 Alco PA-1 features: 7mm can motor Dual flywheels Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Six-axle trucks with blind (no flange) middle […]

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Amtrak to launch seasonal service between New York and Pittsfield, Mass.

Amtrak logo.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amtrak will launch seasonal service between New York and Pittsfield as part of a two-year pilot program beginning July 8. The Berkshire Flyer, operating in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will offer Friday service from Penn Station to Pittsfield via Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y. Return service will operate on Sundays. The Friday […]

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Union Pacific train derails in El Paso

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

EL PASO, Texas — About a dozen cars of a Union Pacific train derailed early Wednesday morning in central El Paso, KTSM-TV reports. The derailment occurred underneath a bridge where Cotton Street meets Interstate 10 at about 2:45 a.m. Cars involved included grain cars and some empty tank cars, a railroad representative told the station. […]

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Creation of agency to pursue Reading-Philadelphia passenger service is approved

Portion of map showing existing and proposed rail routes in the Northeast

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — A third county has approved formation of a new agency to lead efforts to restore rail passenger service between Reading, Pa., and Philadelphia, making official the organization’s creation. WFMZ-TV reports commissioners in Chester County unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday to form the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, following similar approvals […]

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High speed rail to provide $423 million for LA Union Station project

Illustration showing planned changes at Los Angeles Union Station

LOS ANGELES — The California High-Speed Rail Authority will provide more than $400 million for the project to improve Los Angeles Union Station, a project which will see through tracks for commuter and intercity rail operations created at the current stub-ended station in downtown L.A. The authority’s board on Wednesday approved the agreement with LA […]

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