Trains editors discuss rail news that’s fit to publish for the week of Jan. 10, 2020. This week, Jim and Steve talk about the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association Conference, autonomous track inspection, Norfolk Southern workers’ food feud with their railroad, NYC subway doors opening unexpectedly, and more! Only from Trains! […]
Section: News & Reviews
National Power & Light power plant by Menards
Bill Zuback photo National Power & Light power plant by Menards Price: $99.95 (no. 279-4844) Features: Illuminated signage, flashing transformer lighting, removable run-through access for mainline running or freight car placement. Lighting requires a Menards 4.5-volt power supply (nos. SKU 279-4050, 279-4061, and 279-4062). For more information go to www.Menards.com/Trains When Menards came out with […]
O gauge ET44C4 starter set locomotive from Lionel
Bill Zuback O gauge ET44C4 starter set locomotive from Lionel Price: $399.99 for no. 84732 set, separate-sale locomotive approximately $220 Features: O-36 operation, two motors, operating couplers, Lionel RailSounds RC sound system, illuminated cab and directional headlights, handheld remote controller. Low speed (app): 11.8 scale mph Low speed (universal remote): 16.25 mph, High speed: 56.2mph […]
O gauge windmills from Woodland Scenics
Bill Zuback O gauge windmills from Woodland Scenics Price: $60.99 each (Nos. BR5867 “Old” and BR5868 “New”). Features: Plastic construction, rotating blades, cattle detail pieces. For more information go to www.Woodlandscenics.com More than 40 years ago, I was driving cross-country through the Southwest. The view from the interstate highway was spectacular. When the Southern Pacific […]
Labor Bureau: Rail industry employment drops below 200,000 for first time NEWSWIRE
A conductor and engineer pose for a photo on CSX Transportation GP38-2 No. 6237 on July 4, 2019. Joe Kohnen WASHINGTON – For the first time since the government began tracking employment statistics in the 1940s, the number of people employed by railroads has dipped below 200,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has industry-specific […]
Metra officials give contractors details of their ‘Big Ask’ for Chicago commuter railroading NEWSWIRE
A Metra BNSF train stops at Highlands station in Hinsdale, Ill., on Nov. 15, 2019 as Amtrak’s Southwest Chief approaches. Highlands is among the 31 stations to be upgraded by Metra in the next five years. TRAINS: David Lassen CORONADO, Calif — Metra’s “Big Ask” received a medium-sized answer. That’s good news for the Chicago […]
Operation Lifesaver releases new PSA targeting risky behavior on railroad tracks NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON – Operation Lifesaver is launching a new public service announcement campaign that brings attention to the dangerous distractions that could lead to unexpected and sometimes deadly tragedies for pedestrians on or near railroad tracks. “Walking on the railroad tracks is considered trespassing – it’s against the law,” says Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “This new […]
Railroads finding PTC is increasing signal reliability NEWSWIRE
A GE-built ES44AH leads a westbound CSX Transportation freight through Palmer, Mass., where new signal hardware has been installed to replace Conrail-era signals. Brian Solomon CORONADO, Calif. – The advent of positive train control is bringing some unanticipated benefits to railroad signals and communications departments. So said representatives of BNSF Railway, and Canadian National, CSX […]
Railroads offering fewer capital details at NRC conference NEWSWIRE
CORONADO, Calif. — If there’s a trend in this year’s Class I capital plans — at least as they’re being presented at the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association Conference — it’s that the railroads are keeping the nature of those plans closer to the vest than they have at previous conferences. Dollar figures for […]
Reading & Northern reports record growth in 2019 NEWSWIRE
The new $14 million bridge over the Lehigh River at Nesquehoning Junction, Pa., will enable Reading & Northern freight trains to make their Reading to Wilkes-Barre run without changing ends. Scott A. Hartley PORT CLINTON, Pa. – Reading & Northern Railroad had another banner year breaking previous records for carloadings, freight revenue, and excursion ticket […]
Reading & Northern to roll out F units on April 18 excursion NEWSWIRE
Norfolk Southern No. 4271 leads the three other F units at Knoxville, Tenn., in November 2011. Reading & Northern has acquired two and will debut them on a railfan excursion in April 2020. Jim Wrinn PORT CLINTON, Pa. – The public will have its first opportunity to ride behind Reading & Northern’s recently acquired former […]
Traffic downturn expected to take toll on railroads’ fourth quarter earnings NEWSWIRE
Analysts expect fourth quarter earnings to fall at four of the six publicly traded Class I railroads as cost cutting, rate increases, and share buybacks were not enough to offset the impact of traffic declines. On average, earnings per share at the six publicly traded railroads will fall by 1%, according to consensus estimates by […]
