In this Rapid Review, we take a look at and listen to Piko’s new European prototype model, and talk about the upcoming U.S. prototype release. […]
Introducing Piko America’s HO scale Whitcomb 65-ton switcher
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John Staschak’s O gauge layout
Facts & features Name: John Staschak’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 12½ x 25 feet Track: GarGraves, Ross Custom Switches (diameters range from 31 to 96 inches) Switches: GarGraves with Tortoise and Z-Stuff for Trains machines Motive power: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd Rail, Weaver Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, Model Crafters, MTH, Ralph’s Trains, […]
Kusan “K” Series Boxcars
In the late 1950s, Nashvillearea toy manufacturer Kusan was making products that might be the epitome of the term “toy train.” Geared toward the entry level of the market, these items were colorful and affordable. The company’s “K” Series boxcars were produced between 1956 and ’60. They could be produced rapidly in the Franklin, Tenn., […]
MTH Trains O gauge EMD SD24
Introduction to MTH’s O gauge SD24 When I found out that the next locomotive for us to test and review was an MTH O gauge SD24 road diesel, my response was pretty much “Huh?” I needed to track down my old Diesel Spotter’s Guide for sure! I was familiar with SD7s and SD9s, but the […]
Model railroad humor: Grandsons
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Union Pacific plans to end container embargo after one week
LOS ANGELES — Union Pacific will resume international container shipments to Chicago from the West Coast at the end of its current seven-day suspension of such service, CEO Lance Fritz told Reuters on Thursday. “We’re starting to see containers clear, so I anticipate in the seven-day period … we should get back down to a […]
North County Transit District reaches new agreement on Del Mar fencing
DEL MAR, Calif. — The North County Transit District has reached agreement with the city of Del Mar and the California Coastal Commission on plans for safety fencing on the rail line along the Del Mar bluffs, postponing and perhaps ending the NCTD’s request for action by the Surface Transportation Board. The San Diego Union-Tribune […]
Mark Twain Zephyr restoration continues with dining-car work
TREGO, Wis. — The kitchen of the car Huckleberry Finn, being converted to a full dining car, is a focal point as work continues on the restoration of the Mark Twain Zephyr at the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. During work on Thursday, July 22, lead carpenter Bob Heil displayed a stainless steel butter knife found […]
Two NKP 2-8-4s to be reunited for ‘Berkshires in Bellevue’ event
BELLEVUE, Ohio — Two Nickel Plate Railroad 2-8-4 locomotives will be reunited for a series of special events Sept. 24 to Oct. 3, with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Mad River & NKP Museum combining for the “Berkshires in Bellevue” event. Tickets will go on sale July 28 for events featuring the Fort […]
M-10001
M-10001 In the late 1930s, the Union Pacific’s streamliner M-10001 is serviced between runs in Chicago; although dirty, the streamliner stands out from older steel and wood cars in the yard. Alexander Maxwell photo […]
STB chairman wades into intermodal terminal congestion issues
WASHINGTON — Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today asked the Class I railroads to provide information on congestion at inland intermodal terminals, where international containers are stacking up faster than customers can receive them. “I am particularly concerned about significant increases in container congestion at key U.S. terminals, and substantial charges being levied by […]
Europe looks to rail to move parcels and small-volume freight
Spurred by the growth in home delivery during the pandemic, the desire by legislators to reduce goods vehicle use in cities, and a shortage of drivers in several countries, rail operators in Britain, Italy, and Germany are looking at offering new services with rebuilt equipment for parcels and light freight. Two different projects in the […]
