Union Pacific profits rise on operational efficiency, pricing gains

Two yellow diesel locomotives pulling a coal train. Progress Rail files antitrust suit against Wabtec

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific was firing on all cylinders during the third quarter, as pricing gains and record workforce productivity and fuel consumption led to higher profits despite flat volume. “We are focused on driving continued improvements in our pursuit of what’s possible … Core pricing gains and continued operational efficiencies drove the strong […]

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Rapido N Southern Pacific 3/4 dome lounge

Color photo showing end of N scale flat-side Southern Pacific 3/4 dome lounge painted aluminum, red, white, and blue on white background.

Rapido N Southern Pacific 3/4 dome lounge Scale: N (1:160) Price: $89.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido N Southern Pacific 3/4 dome lounge features: Body-mounted magnetic knuckle couplers Designed from original blueprints and field measurements of existing cars End doors with porthole windows Flicker-free, track-powered lighting (compatible with […]

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Pinsly Railroad CEO named to STB rail-shipper panel

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Pinsly Railroad Co. CEO Ryan Ratledge has been appointed to a three-year term on the Surface Transportation Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. “I am honored to represent Pinsly Railroad Company and small railroads across the country on the RSTAC committee,” Ratledge said in a statement released on Wednesday. “I look forward to […]

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GATX says demand for freight car leases is holding steady

Black tank car

CHICAGO — Rail equipment lessor GATX Corp. on Tuesday reported lower North American profits as expenses grew faster than revenue during the third quarter. The North American rail segment profit declined 31%, to $70.7 million, as revenue increased 6.4%, to $296.5 million. The company said the decline in the segment’s profit was due to lower […]

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Wabtec earnings surge on higher freight and transit revenue

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec on Wednesday reported stronger earnings as the equipment manufacturer’s revenue and profits grew in both its freight and transit segments. “We delivered a very strong quarter evidenced by continued growth in our backlog, sales, margin, and earnings,” CEO Rafael Santana said on the company’s earnings call. The company’s operating income increased 17%, […]

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Startup company targets blocked crossings with sensor network

Tank car blocking street behind lowered crossing gate

Oculus Rail, a startup company based in Norfolk, Va., wants to cure a railroad headache: Frequently blocked grade crossings that frustrate motorists and communities alike. The company aims to build a grade-crossing sensor network that can help reroute traffic and emergency vehicles around blocked crossings. Oculus Rail — which launched a smartphone app last week […]

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Rapido Trains HO GE C36-7

Color photo showing front of HO scale diesel locomotive painted yellow and gray with red, white, and blue graphics on white background

Rapido Trains HO GE C36-7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $249.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $359.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido Trains HO GE C36-7 features: Adirondack or Rockwell trucks as appropriate Detailed cab interior Dynamic brake hump on Missouri Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and Union […]

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News & Products for the week of October 20th 2025

A navy blue and yellow model locomotive

News & Products for the week of October 20th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of October 20th, […]

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CN announces changes to senior management

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National today announced changes to its senior leadership, naming Patrick Whitehead as its chief operating officer and Janet Drysdale as chief commercial officer. Whitehead’s appointment as COO ends CN’s unique approach to developing the operating plan, planning the network of the future, and managing day-to-day operations. Traditionally railroads have a lone chief […]

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Cars separate on New York subway train; no injuries reported

Logo of Metropolitan Transportation Authority

NEW YORK — No injuries were reported, but several hours of service disruptions resulted Sunday evening following the separation of cars on a New York subway train. WABC-TV reports the third and fourth cars of a 4 train detached near the 149th Street-Grand Concourse station in the Bronx, leading to a partial shutdown of the […]

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NTSB to investigate BNSF conductor fatality (updated)

National Transportation Safety Board logo

COLUMBUS, Mont. — The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the death of a BNSF conductor struck by a train on Sunday (Oct. 19, 2025), the agency has announced. The fatality occurred about 9:40 a.m. in Columbus, KTVQ-TV reports. BNSF and Columbus police, as well as the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, were also investigating the […]

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