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Athearn Genesis Electro-Motive Division DDA40X diesel locomotive

By | July 6, 2022
illustration of yellow locomotive

Electro-Motive Division DDA40X diesel locomotive Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $429.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, $599.99. Add $10 for Primed for Grime model. Era: Late 1960s to early 1970s Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822, 800-338-4639, athearn.com Electro-Motive Division DDA40X diesel locomotive features: All-wheel electrical pickup Celcon handrails and […]

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Meet Modeler Dave Abeles

By | July 6, 2022
photo of Dave Abeles

Modeler Dave Abeles answers a series of questions regarding his model railroading journey. In this video, Abeles explains his young start, and how his passion for trains has kept him coming back to the hobby for years. Not only does he offer his advice to novice hobbyists, he also discusses some of his own experiences […]

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VIA Rail Canada workers vote to authorize strike

By | July 6, 2022
Logo of Canadian union Unifor

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, according to the Unifor union. In voting by workers across Canada from June 20 to July 1, members of Unifor Council 4000 were 99.3% in favor of a strike, while Unifor Local 100 members voted 99.4% in favor. “The strike vote result […]

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American Z Line June 2022 diesel locomotive announcements

By | July 6, 2022
Blue and white locomotive

American Z Line June 2022 announcements Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Great Northern Electro-Motive Division SW1500 diesel locomotive, September-October 1967 to early 1970s. Wabash Alco PA-1 diesel locomotive, 1949 to early 1960s. Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016, 614-764-1703, americanzline.com  EMD SW1500 features: AutoLatch couplers Prototype-specific details Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Blackened metal wheels Traction […]

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French rail operations hit by one-day strike

By | July 6, 2022
SNCF_Frankfurt_Lassen

PARIS — French railway workers went on strike today (Wednesday, July 6), with national rail operator SNCF advising customers not to travel if at all possible. Reuters reports three of the four main unions at SNCF were taking part in the strike resulting in the cancellation of about a third of all trains. Paris commuter […]

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Chief wreck puts further strain on Amtrak capacity woes: Analysis

By Bob Johnston | July 6, 2022
Bilevel passenger car with no windows and damage to stainless steel body

CHICAGO — When bad CSX track caused the northbound Auto Train to derail 14 of 16 Superliners at Crescent City, Fla., on April 18, 2002, Amtrak strategists scrambled but were able to counteract the resulting equipment shortage. Dealing with a similar shock to the system today — such as the one caused by last week’s […]

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SMS Rail Services plans passenger excursions on new trackage

By Scott A. Hartley | July 6, 2022
Steam locomotive undergoing work in shop building

BRIDGEPORT, N.J. — SMS Rail Services, perhaps best known to enthusiasts as the operator of a roster of Baldwin diesel locomotives that work on several rail switching operations, is preparing to enter the passenger excursion business on its newest line acquisition. SMS, established in 1994 to serve the large Pureland Industrial Park in Bridgeport, N.J., […]

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Second ‘Missouri River Runner’ to return July 18

By | July 6, 2022
Passenger train at platform

CHICAGO — Amtrak will restore a second day round trip of the Missouri River Runner between St. Louis and Kansas City as of Monday, July 18, reflecting additional funding by the state of Missouri. The additional round trip will see train No. 311 depart St. Louis at 8:15 a.m. and arrive in Kansas City at […]

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Canada announces fire-prevention rules, launches research program to address rail climate change issues

By | July 6, 2022
Transport Canada logo

OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has announced two actions to address the impact of climate change on railroads — one regarding fire prevention, and the other to address efforts to make infrastructure resilient to issues such as flooding and landslides. The fire-prevention rules, effective during the April 1-Oct. 31 fire season, require railroads: — […]

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Alstom opens Montreal facility to develop sustainable products

By | July 6, 2022
Alstom logo

MONTREAL — Rail equipment manufacturer Alstom will open an innovation center to develop sustainable products at its headquarters for the America in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, the company has announced. Alstom committed to creation of the center as part of its acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in January 2021. Its primary mission will be to develop hybrid, battery, […]

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California short line Sierra Northern’s Ventura Division finds new home in Santa Paula

By | July 6, 2022
Blue and silver F unit with passenger cars crosses wooden bridge

SANTA PAULA, Calif. — After departing Fillmore in a disagreement over use of a city-owned rail yard there, the Sierra Northern Railway, Ventura Division, has moved its operational headquarters some 9 miles west to the former Santa Paula Hay and Grain facility on 12th Street in Santa Paula. The move was effective as of July […]

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