Canadian high-speed operation envisions up to 72 trains daily

Dark green high speed train in snowy landscape

MONTREAL — Internal documents of the company developing Canada’s planned high-speed rail route say the planned line between Toronto and Quebec City could see up to 72 trains per day. A Canadian Press report says the figure comes from draft versions of a 2023 technical briefing, which the news organization obtained through an access-to-information request. […]

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The Sun Parlour Lines layout in HO scale

A track plans for the Sun Parlour Lines model railroad layout

Facts and features Name: Sun Parlour Lines Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 12 x 41 feet Prototype: Chesapeake & Ohio and New York Central Locale: southern Ontario Era: September 1955 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 150 feet Minimum radius: 28″ (main line), 22″ (hidden loop) Minimum turnout: No. 6 (main line) Maximum grade: 2.5% Benchwork: […]

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VIA Rail Canada CEO to step down

Man in suit on station platform with train in background

OTTAWA, Ontario — VIA Rail Canada CEO Mario Péloquin is stepping down, Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon has announced. In a Tuesday, Dec. 16, statement, MacKinnon said he has accepted Péloquin’s resignation “effective Jan. 16, 2026, in order to enjoy retirement after a 41-year career in the industry. I would like to thank Mario for […]

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VIA passengers stranded overnight on corridor trains (updated)

VIA Rail Canada logo

BROCKVILLE, Ontario — Cascading delays following a mechanical issue with one train led to VIA Rail Canada passengers being stuck on Ottawa-Toronto trains overnight before finally being transferred to another train, arriving at their destination more than 12 hours late. The problems that began Tuesday night continued into Wedesday, with some trains arriving more than […]

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C&NW No. 1385 successfully test fired

Steam locomotive surrounded by steam.

NORTH FREEDOM, Wis. — The Mid-Continent Railway Museum, after nearly 30 years of work, has completed a successful test firing of former Chicago & North Western R1 4-6-0 No. 1385. The locomotive now moves into the final phases of its restoration, with plans to have No. 1385 operational by summer 2026. The test was originally […]

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Toronto opens Finch West light rail line

Aerial view of predominantly white, four-car light rail train running in center divider of roadway

TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission has opened its newest rail transit line, the 10.3-kilometer (6.4-mile), 18-station Line 6 Finch West. The light rail line launched service on Sunday, Dec. 7, offering connection to TTC’s subway Line 1 (University-Yonge), 30 TTC bus routes and other regional transit systems. Regional transit agency Metrolinx says in a […]

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3rd Rail Models VIA Rail Canada P42

blue and silver model locomotive

It was a sad day when those 1950s E7, E8, and assorted FP units reached the point where they were clearly reaching the end of their operational life. Their long car bodies and gentle curved noses symbolized North American passenger train travel. Both EMD and General Electric offered replacement models with varied results. The best […]

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British Columbia museum receives grant for shop restoration

Several cabooses in a museum setting. British Columbia museum receives grant for shop restoration.

SQUAMISH, British Columbia — The Railway Museum of British Columbia has received a $50,000 Heritage Legacy Fund grant from Heritage BC to assist with work on its car shop. The museum matched the grant, netting $100,000 for the project. The grant funds the reconstruction of the shop’s five rail doors. Each 14- by 22-foot door […]

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Evacuation order lifted following British Columbia derailment

CPKC logo

CRANBROOK, British Columbia — The evacuation order stemming from a CPKC derailment near Cranbrook has been lifted. The Cranbrook Townsman reports the order, covering five properties along the Kootenay River, was lifted Saturday evening (Nov. 29). It had been issued about 12:30 p.m. following a Saturday morning derailment involving an estimated 12 cars, including some […]

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