UP plans move of Challenger, other donated equipment Nov. 11-19

Steam locomotive passes electric locomotive

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has announced plans for its “Heritage Donation Special,” moving two steam locomotives, its Centennial diesel, and other equipment, from Cheyenne to the  Railroading Heritage of Midwest America facility in Silvis, Ill., Nov. 11-19. The schedule was announced in an email to UP Steam Club members. The train will include Challenger […]

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Officials are out in force for CREATE’s latest groundbreaking

Eight people with shovels digging into box of dirt

CHICAGO — To weigh the significance of Tuesday’s groundbreaking for part of CREATE’s latest infrastructure project, consider the adage that “success has many fathers, but defeat is an orphan.” Then consider the 13 speakers and many other representatives from federal, state, county, and local government that were part of the ceremony for the Forest Hill […]

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Talgo, LA Metro sue each other over subway-car contract

Subway train in station

LOS ANGELES — Milwaukee-based rail equipment manufacturer Talgo and LA Metro are involved in dueling lawsuits over a cancelled contract to refurbish Los Angeles subway cars, with Talgo filing a $48.8 million countersuit Friday after Metro filed suit in September. City News Service reports the Metro suit claimed Talgo had defaultd on its contract and […]

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Steam on “the Peg”

Pacific 2157 in Duluth, Minnesota

Pacific 5127, leased from parent Canadian National, pauses at Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific’s elevated station (hidden behind train) in West Duluth, Minn., with the overnight accommodation from Fort Frances, Ont., in September 1954. Philip R. Hastings photo […]

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Iowa City buys land for possible Amtrak station

Map showing rail line between Iowa City, Iowa, and Chicago

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa City City Council  has approved the purchase of three residential properties for the site of a possible Amtrak station, the Daily Iowan newspaper reports. The three parcels are being purchased for $475,000. They would provide the location for a station should Amtrak launch a long-discussed Chicago-Quad Cities passenger service, […]

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Missouri DOT seeks $50 million to address grade crossing improvements

Aerial view of accident site with debris of truck hit by train

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The fatal collision and derailment of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief appears to have spurred action by officials in Missouri to address grade-crossing safety. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking $50 million from the state’s general budget to address grade-crossing improvements. Currently, the state budgets about $1.5 […]

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