News & Products for the week of February 24th 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 February 24th, […]
Section: News & Reviews
Lionel Disney D23 Mickey and Friends caboose
Lionel sent a sample of their Disney D23 caboose (No. 2401565) for review. D23 is the Official Disney Fan Club and got its name from their fan/exposition events. Sort of like a Comic-Con International for Disney fans. This caboose is a familiar design. It’s a 5Nc porthole center cupola caboose, the prototype most commonly found […]
Wilmington & Western Railroad operations indefinitely paused
WILMINGTON, Del. — Volunteers on the Wilmington & Western Railroad say railroad staff have notified them that operations on the long-time heritage railway are paused indefinitely. Volunteers seeking information about the railroad’s March schedule were notified of the decision in an email earlier this month. The railway depends on its all-volunteer crew to staff trains. […]
State legislator seeks to kill Twin Cities’ Northstar commuter rail, which could be eliminated regardless (updated)
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The chair of the transportation committee in Minnesota’s House of Representatives is leading a legislative effort to kill the Northstar commuter rail service — which could be destined for replacement with bus service anyway. HF 269, introduced by Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville, Minn.) — chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy […]
BNSF profits and revenue lag railway’s overall traffic growth (updated)
OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s pre-tax profits increased slightly in 2024 as traffic-mix changes — more intermodal, less coal — and lower fuel-surcharge revenue offset an overall 6.5% increase in freight volume. For the year, BNSF’s pre-tax earnings increased 0.5%, to $6.64 billion, while revenue declined 0.5%, to $23.35 billion, the railway’s corporate parent, Berkshire […]
SEPTA begins using new labels for urban rail service
PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has begun using new labeling for its urban rail operations, as well as bus lines. The changes are part of a new branding as SEPTA Metro, first announced in 2021 [see “SEPTA plans rebranding …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 8, 2021]. Some elements have been introduced previously, but […]
Harrisburg NRHS completes interactive signal exhibit
HARRISBURG, Pa. – With a cellphone, tablet or notebook in hand, visitors can activate a Pennsylvania Railroad position-light signal here to replicate any of 19 indications, past or present, used to govern train movements. The Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society on Wednesday (Feb. 19) completed a project, years in the making, that […]
Coaster commuter rail to offer free rides for 30th anniversary
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego-area Coaster commuter rail service will celebrate its 30th anniversary by offering free rides this Thursday, Feb. 27. The service launched on Feb. 27, 1995, offering six trains during the morning commute and six in the evening. It has grown to include 15 round trips weekdays (with a 16th on […]
Funds for Pennsylvania rail projects caught in federal spending uncertainty
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s transportation secretary said last week he’s “hesitant to go forward” with projects awarded federal funding — including one to increase capacity for an additional round trip of Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian — in light of the uncertain status of those funds under the Trump Administration. “Funds that were discretionary awards, that haven’t been […]
Ohio Rail Experience announces 2025 schedule
LEBANON, Ohio — Cincinnati Scenic Railway’s Ohio Rail Experience has announced its 2025 tour schedule, marking the return of a series of excursions last held in 2022. Trips — operated in partnership with local historical societies, the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, and the Cincinnati Railway Co. — will run on six different routes are planned […]
Bidding process begins for roundhouse at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
STRASBURG, Pa. — A bid process has begun for the building of a six-stall, 16,000-square-foot roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to house six Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotives. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced the beginning of the process on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Construction will be funded through Pennsylvania capital project funds, […]
Patriot Rail debt issuance provides look at company’s finances
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Shortline operator Patriot Rail is going to the debt markets for refinancing, prompting all three ratings agencies to weigh in on its issue. Three ratings on the same issue and company at the same issue is unusual. Companies often are satisfied with one or maybe two. But all three were published this […]
