Metra to re-issue RFP for new railcars NEWSWIRE

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CHICAGO — After receiving only one response to its request for proposals for new coach cars, Metra said Wednesday it will issue a new RFP that it hopes will be more competitive and attract different, more modern designs. “I think we’ve had about 70 years of service from this design,” Metra Chairman Norm Carlson said […]

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British vs. U.S. practices

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A former London & North Eastern Class D49 4-4-0 displays the British-style method of securing the smokebox door and using buffers with couplers. Kenneth G. Williamson Q Why did British steam locomotives use a center-locking device on the smokebox and buffers with link and chain for car coupling? How did U.S. railroads do it differently? […]

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Investigators question safety of Talgo equipment involved in fatal ‘Amtrak Cascades’ derailment NEWSWIRE

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Steve Carter WASHINGTON – Investigators in a two-day hearing covering two recent fatal Amtrak derailments are questioning the safety of Talgo trains involved in one of the derailments. The equipment operates under a Federal Railroad Administration waiver. The derailment in December 2017 killed three and injured more than 60. It occurred on the first Amtrak […]

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New model trains for the week of July 10, 2018

Bowser Manufacturing Co. HO scale Bowser 70-ton two-bay covered hopper

HO scale freight cars 50-foot single-sheathed boxcars. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (single steel doors and Dreadnaught ends); Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (double steel doors and auto door end); Missouri Pacific (double wood doors and auto door end); Northern Pacific (double steel doors and auto door end); and Texas & Pacific (double steel doors and […]

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New model trains for the week of July 5, 2018

Wm. K. Walthers Inc. HO scale Electro-Motive Division Phase II GP9 with low short hood

Electro-Motive Division GP50 diesel locomotive. BNSF Ry. (Heritage III, three road numbers), and Genesee & Wyoming (Indiana & Ohio and Toledo, Peoria & Western; two numbers each), Illinois Central (black, one number), and Union Pacific (four numbers). Roadnumber-specific details, light-emitting-diode headlights, and vinyl m.u. hoses. Direct-current model with 21-pin connector for Digital Command Control decoder, […]

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Amtrak begins process of replacing oldest Amfleet cars NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak has begun the formal process of replacing its oldest Amfleet equipment, used on trains like the Illinois Zephyr, shown here in Western Springs, Ill. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Amtrak has begun the process of seeking new equipment to replace its Amfleet I passenger cars, posting a Request for Information today to explore options […]

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Build a sugar industry caboose

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Thomas A. Yorke Thomas Yorke presents the third of three scratchbuilt projects in the August 2018 issue. Download these full-size drawings of his caboose and follow his instructions in the magazine. You will also need the basic flatcar drawings from the April 2018 issue for this project. Note: This drawing is broken into two pieces. […]

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