BNSF requests new delay on Arizona logistics project

Plan for BNSF logistics center in Arizona

PHOENIX — BNSF Railway has again asked the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to delay consideration of its planned logistics development in Wittmann, Ariz., this time until Feb. 26, 2026. The board had been scheduled to consider the matter — which faces significant opposition from nearby communities — at a meeting today (Nov. 5, 2025). […]

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Mainline photo charter with Santa Fe No. 2926 announced

A night scene featuring the massive Santa Fe Railway steam engine at the train station in downtown Albuquerque. Mainline photo charter with Santa Fe No. 2926 announced

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico Heritage Rail has announced two photo charters with Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 to be conducted by Lerro Photography on Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026. The events will take place on 40 miles of mainline track extending north and south of Albuquerque. Two events are scheduled due to […]

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Join the 2026 Trains tour of the Southwest

Silver and yellow locomotives at the front of a passenger train

2026 Southwestern Rail Adventure Embark on a fully private car journey through the majestic landscapes of the American Southwest, where red rock canyons and desert vistas come alive under endless blue skies. Discover iconic national parks, ancient pueblos, and vibrant local culture as you travel in comfort and style. Experience the spirit of the Southwest […]

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SP logging train

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A Southern Pacific 2-8-0 pulls a log train on the Cloudcroft branch near Alamogordo, N.Mex. This view is from 1946, three years before the line was abandoned. Henry Garcia photo […]

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Arizona city votes to oppose BNSF logistics hub near Phoenix

Plan for BNSF logistics center in Arizona

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Surprise City Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing BNSF’s plans for a logistics hub in Wittman, Ariz. At its Tuesday, Oct. 7, meeting, the council approved a resolution saying it “cannot support the development … unless it proceeds in a manner that clearly prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and […]

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Brightline West seeks $6 billion federal loan as construction costs rise

View of interstate highway in desert

WASHINGTON — Brightline West is seeking a $6 billion government loan to address increased construction costs for its planned route between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev. A Department of Transportation document indicates the company behind the project, DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC, applied for the loan under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, which dates […]

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BLET members ratify Arizona Eastern contract

Logo of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified their first contract with the Arizona Eastern Railway, concluding a process that began in June 2024 when workers voted to join the BLET. The five-year agreement was ratified by a 22-0 vote, the union announced. The contract includes wages increases and […]

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50 years ago in Trains: Tribute to Santa Fe’s 2-10-4s

The front of a steam locomotive in a railroad yard, the word Trains appears in red on a white box

In introducing the issue-length article on Santa Fe’s 2-10-4s dominating the August 1975 issue of Trains Magazine, Editor David P. Morgan wrote: “We broke our word. We promised you after our single-subject issues in 1972 on L&Ns “Big Emma” 2-8-4 and Electro-Motive’s 50th anniversary that Trains would not publish any more all-steam or all-diesel editions. […]

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BNSF asks to delay vote on Arizona logistics project

Plan for BNSF logistics center in Arizona

WITTMANN, Ariz. — BNSF Railway has asked Maricopa County officials to delay a vote until November a vote on its proposed $3.2 million logistics and intermodal hub near Phoenix. The Arizona Republic reports a letter requesting the delay from a planned zoning vote scheduled for Aug. 20 did not offer a specific reason, but says […]

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