CUMBERLAND, Md. — A former Western Maryland Scenic Railroad employee could face up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine for allegedly stealing brass and bronze parts from the scenic railroad, according to Allegany County (Md.) District Court records obtained by Trains News Wire. Police charged Scottie A. Nixon, 39, of Cumberland, on […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Wisconsin Northern adds SD45Rs to roster NEWSWIRE

Wisconsin Northern SD45 No. 43 virtually sparkles in new paint. The locomotive is one of two recently refurbished and purchased by the railroad. Steve Smedley CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — Add Progressive Rail Inc.’s Wisconsin Northern Railroad to the list of operators of rebuilt SD45R carbodies with the addition of twin units Nos. 43 and 45. […]
Charlie’s Trackside Postcards: West with the Sun

Charlie and his wife explore railroad-related sites in and around Evanston, Wyoming, before returning westward with the sun along the Union Pacific main line. […]
Preservationists launch emergency GoFundMe page for Texas steam locomotive NEWSWIRE

Demolition equipment is in place to cut up No. 503 in Port Arthur, Texas, unless preservationists prevail. Jason Sobczynski PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Railway preservationists are launching a last-minute grass roots campaign to try and save a unique Ten-Wheeler that is only days away from scrapping in this coastal city that was devastated by Hurricane […]
Durango & Silverton 2-8-2 No. 476 steams again NEWSWIRE

Durango & Silverton 2-8-2 No. 476 steams again on Feb. 14, prior to a test run to Rockwood, Colo. D&SNGRR DURANGO, Colo. — One of the Silverton train’s classic K28s has returned to steam after 19 years of inactivity and an extensive multi-year rebuild. Rio Grande Mikado No. 476 made a test run to Rockwood, […]
Big Boy versus Allegheny

This C&O 2-6-6-6 strains mightily to get her 70 loads of eastbound coal moving at Thurmond, W. Va., in 1956. The Balky 1624 had slipped down, then cut off and run ahead to put down sand, and is now trying again. A full third of her tremendous engine weight rests on her lead and trailing […]
Where to find Big Boy locomotives

With clouds overhead mimicking steam, Big Boy No. 4004 sleeps in October 2013 at Cheyenne’s Holliday Park, just a few blocks from UP rails. Jim Wrinn No. 4004 • Holliday Park, Cheyenne, Wyo. BUILDER’S DATE: September 1941 SERIAL NUMBER: 69575 HISTORY: The fifth Big Boy constructed seems to have had an uneventful career. LIFETIME MILEAGE: […]
UPDATE: Amtrak CEO says passenger trains will not run over track without PTC or PTC waiver NEWSWIRE

Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson Amtrak WASHINGTON — If railroads that host Amtrak passenger trains fail to meet Congress’ statutory requirement to have positive train control installed Dec. 31, 2018, Amtrak’s president says the company will drop service on lines that don’t comply. The move would significantly disrupt passenger service on virtually every Amtrak route in […]
Helper locomotive crews

On Aug. 6, 2012, a single Illinois Central manned helper locomotive brings up the rear of a southbound Canadian National intermodal train working up Byron Hill on the Waukesha Subdivision near Byron, Wis. Tom Danneman Q How do locomotive engineers know they are doing equal work on trains equipped with manned helpers? – Robert A. […]
SEPTA begins ACS-64 locomotive testing NEWSWIRE

Siemens-made SEPTA ACS-64 No. 901 moves through Roslyn, Pa., on Feb. 10. Gary Pancavage PHILADELPHIA — Watch for sleek new power on lines in and around the City of Brotherly Love as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority begins testing their first copy of Siemens’ ACS-64 electric locomotive. Railfans spotted SEPTA No. 901 at the intersection […]
Oldest Southern Railway passenger car gets a new home, new feet NEWSWIRE

Interstate office car No. 101 has been saved yet again in Big Stone Gap, Va. Ron Flanary BIG STONE GAP, Va. — For wooden Interstate Railroad office car No. 101, life is starting anew at age 148. The car, located in Big Stone Gap, Va., and now under restoration for the second time in the […]
Trains Presents: Harpers Ferry

Come along for a look at the historic town of Harper Ferry, W.Va.! You’ll see CSX Transportation freights along with Amtrak and MARC commuter action in this scenic city on the Potomac River. […]