UPDATE: Metra board approves locomotive purchase; SD70MACH models to come out of EMD NEWSWIRE

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An artist’s rendition of new-to-Metra SD70MACH locomotives. Metra, via Facebook CHICAGO — Metra on Wednesday approved a $71 million contract to purchase 15 remanufactured locomotives from Progress Rail Locomotives with options to buy up to 27 additional locomotives if more funding becomes available. According to a Metra announcement, Progress Rail will take existing EMD SD70MAC freight […]

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One dies in crossing accident with Empire Builder NEWSWIRE

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Police investigate the grade crossing accident in Brookfield, Wis., that left the automobile driver dead Monday. Cate Kratville-Wrinn BROOKFIELD, Wis. — A 70-year-old man died Monday when he drove his SUV into the path of Amtrak’s westbound Empire Builder passenger train, according to police reports. The accident happened at 4:15 p.m. at Brookfield Road adjacent […]

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Former Trains staffer, video producer Paul Schneider dies NEWSWIRE

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Paul D. Schneider train-watching at Fullerton, Calif. David Styffe LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Railroading has lost one of its most versatile and accomplished storytellers. Paul D. Schneider, 64, died peacefully on Feb. 15, 2019, at the Rehabilitation Center on La Brea, in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Fairfax, where he had been living for several […]

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Massachusetts Solari board to be restored NEWSWIRE

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An individual Solari board module. The numeric modules contain the numerals 1 through zero, while the letter modules contain all 26 letters of the alphabet. Jack Trowill, Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum LENOX, Mass. — The retirement of Amtrak’s last Solari train announcement board at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia has inspired the restoration of another […]

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