Railroad Technology

Don't miss the latest in railroad technology from the editors of Trains Magazine. From locomotive engineer training simulators to unmanned drones watching over operations, railroading is a high-tech business. Seeing how far it has progressed may come as a surprise!

Editorial: An industry with a future

Railroads are at the cutting-edge of transportation

Follow the leader

With eyes in the sky, drones are shaping the future of railroading

Putting it together

A trio of projects remakes the commuter rail system for New York’s MTA

Railroading’s new proving ground

The MxV Rail FAST test track provides accelerated evaluation of track, equipment

T1 technology

A slippery story of poppet valves, streamlining, and a possible world speed record

The basics of signaling

For safe operation, railroaders must thoroughly know the language and the rules

10 must-see engineering landmarks

Add these railroad marvels to your travel itinerary

Training for contingencies

VIA’s Toronto simulator offers the chance to learn in a controlled environment

Key locomotive upgrades

The quest for better, safer, and more efficient motive power never ends

Metro-North’s 2020 inspection vision

‘IC 2020’ is a track inspection car and much more

Will hydrogen be the fuel of the future?

Short-term substitute for diesel can eventually give way to zero-emission technologies

Not all spikes are golden

All you ever wanted to know about railroad spikes but were afraid to ask