Canada’s High Frequency Rail could become high-speed project

VIA_Map

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government is seriously considering making the proposed High-Frequency Rail project linking Toronto and Quebec City a true high-speed line, according to a government official. The CBC reports that Jean-Yves Duclos, public services and procurement minister, said Monday that the models for the high-frequency project, which would build a separate, passenger-only rail […]

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New equipment debuts on Staten Island Railway

Staten Island Railway train with "Inaugural ride" sign on nose

NEW YORK — The first new railcars for the Staten Island Railway in more than 50 years entered service on Tuesday, Oct. 8, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority organizing a “first run” event to note the occasion. The cars entering service Tuesday are among 75 R211S cars specifically for Staten Island, part of a larger […]

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Cando Rail & Terminals adds Buettner as chief legal officer

Head shot of bearded man in coat and tie

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Cando Rail & Terminals has named Eric Buettner as the company’s first chief legal officer. Buettner has more than 10  years of experience in corporate and commercial law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions at western Canada law firm MLT Aikins. He has served as Cando’s external counsel since 2018, primarily […]

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Horizontal versus vertical track cutters

Color photo of hand holding cutting tool with orange handles.

Q: Please explain how to tell the difference between horizontal and vertical cut rail nippers. — Dave Smith A: To answer your question, I turned to a blog on the Xuron Corp. website. The well-known manufacturer of hobby tools, based in Saco, Maine, recommends using its 2175B track cutters on new installations. The tool, which […]

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Deciphering railroad lingo

A worker holds a pole next to a steam locomotive moving slowly.

Railroad lingo What is the railroad’s lingo? Utilized mostly by railroaders, it’s a way of speaking among co-workers that involves using railroad terminology, jargon, slang, or argot. Common lingo can vary from one group of individuals to another. Not born of this world, I’ve struggled to understand some of the language the railroad professionals use […]

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Grand Canyon No. 4960 concludes 2024 steam season

Steam powered passenger train running across a desert-like landscape

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — The conclusion of the Grand Canyon Railway’s 2024 steam season was a fall finish as 2-8-2 No. 4960 made its Oct. 5 round trip between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park. Railway Chief Mechanical Officer Eric Hadder said the locomotive did well with no significant problems. He also noted that No. 4960’s […]

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10 helpful layout tips

A piece of paper on a table with a book and a pencil

Through many years and experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the wide range of interests our hobby has to offer. I’ve repaired and restored vintage Lionel locomotives, custom-painted entire train sets, and even researched the history of Lionel’s Super O trackwork. Although these activities are still exciting, they don’t compare to the thrills I’ve had operating […]

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The Milwaukee, Racine & Troy: a retrospective gallery

Milwaukee Racine & Troy retrospective gallery: A man clad in orange high visibility gear stands next to a model tank car on a model railroad layout

Model Railroader’s famed 28 x 54-foot, HO scale staff layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy, is no more. The layout, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, began as a concept in Kalmbach Media’s downtown Milwaukee offices in 1975. I won’t attempt to write the full history of the layout; indeed, there is likely no […]

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ScaleTrains, Virtual Railfan support Hurricane Helene relief efforts

ScaleTrains logo

Model railroad manufacturer ScaleTrains and railroad live streaming website Virtual Railfan have announced their support for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Their offices, located at 4901 Old Tasso Rd., Cleveland, Tenn., are serving as a drop-off location for food, hygiene, and supply contributions. ScaleTrains and Virtual Railfan have also pledged financial support for hurricane relief efforts. […]

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EBT reopens more track; chairman confirms full-restoration goal

Steam engine with train on curve next to park

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa.— As East Broad Top trains last weekend christened 1.3  miles of restored mainline track that had lain dormant since 1956, EBT Foundation Chairman Henry Posner reiterated the nonprofit group’s resolve to rebuild the tourist line another 18 miles up to the coal-mining region that gave the narrow gauge line its reason for […]

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