DULUTH, Minn. — After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and necessary repairs, the Federal Railroad Administration has approved the return to service of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway 2-8-0 No. 332. The locomotive was fired up this week and inspected, including setting its three sets of safety valves. […]
CHICAGO — Railroad capital projects to aid or accommodate traffic growth may temporarily slide to the back burner as inflation maintains near 40-year highs, driving up the costs of project materials as well as the interest rates to finance such projects. Those making decisions on projects and operating within specific capital budgets are likely realizing […]
GATINEAU, Quebec — A Transportation Safety Board of Canada review of outstanding safety recommendations found that none of the nine recommendations regarding rail transportation could be considered have been addressed in Fully Satisfactory fashion, the highest rating available. A Fully Satisfactory rating means a course of action has seen the issue eliminated or substantially reduced. […]
NEWINGTON, Conn. — Most Hartford Line service by CTrail and Amtrak will be replaced by buses for almost two months beginning July 18 to allow the Connecticut Department of Transportation to complete infrastructure projects in Hartford and Windsor, Conn. At Hartford Union Station, the platform canopy will be replaced, with new roofing and lighting over […]
ROCHELLE, Ill. — The Rochelle City Council has approved more than $30,000 for the first part of a three-phase plan to upgrade the Rochelle Railroad Park, the popular facility at the crossing of BSNF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad main lines. The Rochelle News-Leader reports that at a Monday meeting, the council approved a $30,750 […]
MENDON, Mo. — A fourth person, and third train passenger, has died as a result of Monday’s grade crossing accident and collision involving Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported. USA Today reports that 150 people were injured in the accident, receiving treatment at 10 area hospitals for injuries ranging from minor […]
ORLANDO, Fla. — When Brightline begins constructing its extension beyond Orlando International Airport to Tampa during the next decade, the route won’t include a station on Disney World land or other direct Disney participation. But the Miami-based passenger rail operator and Orlando business interests continue to plan a South International Drive station in close proximity […]
Fox Valley Models ES44 GEVO Scale: N (1:160) Price: Direct-current model, $119.99; with dual-mode ESU Digital Command Control sound decoder, $219.99 Era: Varies on paint scheme Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, scaletrains.com Fox Valley Models ES44 GEVO features: Wire grab irons 3-hose MU clusters Uncoupling levers Windshield wipers Sunshades Brake wheel Paint schemes: BNSF (25th Anniversary scheme with […]
Greenbrier-Gunderson Multi-Max Autorack Scale: N (1:160) Price: $46.99, single car; 6-11 cars, $44.99 each; or 12+ cars, $41.99 each Era: 2014 to present Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, scaletrains.com Greenbrier-Gunderson Multi-Max Autorack features: Multiple road numbers Four body types: early, intermediate, late, and current Factory-applied metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses ASF low deck swing […]
Five tips for creating a summery scene: Summer is a time for gathering outside with family and friends. There are a lot of nostalgic activities that can be modeled to remind us of a hot, summer day — perhaps even of a specific childhood memory. Most of my fondest memories happen during summer months, so […]
MENDON, Mo. — The location where Amtrak’s Southwest Chief hit a dump truck in a collision and derailment that killed three and injured dozens was on a list of grade crossings recommended for safety upgrades, the Kansas City Star reports. The Monday afternoon accident involving eastbound train No. 4 led to the deaths of two […]
ALTOONA, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society has met and exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 toward the construction of a new firebox for PRR Class K4s 4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 1361. Owned by the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the engine is in the midst of a $2.6 million overhaul to restore it […]
