Union Pacific reports higher volume, revenue, and profits

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s third-quarter financial results – with volume, revenue, and profits all on the upswing — are proof that the railroad’s strategy is working, CEO Jim Vena says. UP this morning (Oct. 24) reported that operating income increased 11%, to $2.46 billion, as revenue grew 3%, to $6 billion. Earnings per share […]

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CSX announces tentative deals with two unions, ratification of agreement by yardmasters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation has reached new tentative five-year deals with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers. The railroad also announced ratification of an agreement with yardmasters represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD). “The new tentative agreements […]

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STB Passenger Rail Advisory Committee holds first meeting (updated)

WASHINGTON — Rail industry professionals from around the country assembled in the hearing room at Surface Transportation Board headquarters  last week for the first meeting of the STB’s Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. The initial session’s purpose: to get acquainted with each other, discuss goals, and meet the four STB members to whom they will report. […]

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News & Products for the week of October 21st 2024

News & Products for the week of October 21st 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 October 21st […]

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‘Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train’ photo gallery

Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train The “Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train” behind Nickel Plate Road SD9 No. 358 ran a round-trip excursion from Pleasant Lake, Ind., to Hillsdale, Mich., and return on Oct. 12, 2024. The special is one of several themed excursions offered as part of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s […]

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Chicago CREATE project receives both Mega, INFRA grants

WASHINGTON — A piece of Chicago’s CREATE project and an element of California’s high speed rail construction are among the 11 recipients of Department of Transportation National Infrastructure Project Assistance, or Mega, grants announced today. Also, the same CREATE project and infrastructure improvements on the Paducah & Louisville Railway are among the 36 projects selected […]

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Groundbreaking set for Amtrak facility in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. — Another step in the long-running effort to launch Amtrak service between Mobile and New Orleans is set for Tuesday, Oct. 22, when officials including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for an Amtrak layover track and platform in Mobile. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. at […]

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Regulators approve CPKC, CSX acquisition of Meridian & Bigbee

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has approved acquisition by Canadian Pacific Kansas City and CSX Transportation of the Meridian & Bigbee Railroad from Genesee & Wyoming, allowing the two Class I lines to create a new direct connection at Myrtlewood, Ala. The approval is effective Nov. 16, 2024. In separate decisions, the board approved […]

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Locomotive pilots 101

A locomotive has two pilots, one on each end where it interfaces with other units and/or the cars its hauling. The main component is the coupler on each end, along with the adjacently mounted train line air hose. These are the basic connections between all freight cars and other locomotives. Working outward from the coupler […]

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Nickel Plate SD9 shines on Indiana Rail Experience cigar train

PLEASANT LAKE, Ind. — The Indiana Rail Experience operated its second cigar train using Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society passenger cars on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, on host railroad Indiana Northeastern. The “Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train” train operated behind Nickel Plate Road SD9 No. 358 in pull-pull fashion from Pleasant Lake to Hillsdale, […]

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Legislation would allow Amtrak to sue over freight train interference

WASHINGTON — Two Pennsylvania Congressmen on Friday introduced a bill which would allow Amtrak to address freight train interference issues by taking railroads to court over the issue. The bill, dubbed the “Rail Passenger Fairness Act,” was introduced by U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall, Pa.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), would allow Amtrak to sue railroads […]

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