Amtrak eras tour: the 1990s

In recent months, I have dug deep into the archives to find the shortest Amtrak trains of each decade. Since most of us modelers have limited layout space, if we still want to model prototypical passenger consists, these short trains are a perfect fit. Join me on a tour of Amtrak eras, this time exploring […]

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Locomotive models in Bicentennial paint

Color image of electric locomotive in patriotic paint scheme.

With Independence Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some N and HO scale locomotive models in Bicentennial paint schemes. As the 200th birthday of the United States approached, numerous prototype railroads renumbered and repainted locomotives in patriotic schemes to pay tribute to the nation. […]

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Madison Hardware’s gold Lionel EP-5 shells

Madison Hardware’s gold Lionel EP-5 shells are a story akin to getting lemons and making lemonade. The store sold unusual Lionel trains from all periods of production. Lou Shur and Carl Shaw, the brothers who ran the legendary retail outlet in New York City until it closed in 1989, seemed to have endless supplies of […]

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New Haven “Jet”

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New Haven 376, one of 10 EP-5 electrics nicknamed “Jets” for their howling blower motors, cruises down the road’s four-track main line at Noroton Heights, Conn., in 1956, the year after it was built. Thomas J. McNamara photo […]

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GG1 on the B&O

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On May 28, 1964, at Alexandria Junction, Md., Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric 4906 brings up the rear of Washington–New York train 126, which diesels are towing backward over the Baltimore & Ohio owing to a derailment on the PRR at Lanham, Md. Ara Mesrobian photo […]

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Caltrain electric equipment makes first run under catenary (with video)

Red and white electric multiple-unit trainset under dramatic sunset

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Caltrain has reached a major milestone in the electrification of its San Francisco-San Jose main line, with the commuter rail operator announcing Tuesday that electrified trains have begun operating under power from the overhead contact system. The agency posted video Tuesday of trains making low-speed initial tests. These initial runs will […]

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Amtrak E44 electric locomotives

Silver-and-black Amtrak E44 electric locomotives stored in a line

Amtrak E44 electric locomotives are eight roster oddities that likely never turned a wheel in revenue service for the passenger carrier.     The Pennsylvania Railroad acquired 66 of the 5,000-hp, six-axle E44 electric locomotives from General Electric, Nos. 4400-4465. Built at Erie, Pa., between 1960 and 1963 the motors were 69-feet, 6-inches long and […]

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Progress Rail to convert locomotive to battery power for Australia’s Aurizon

Four men standing on walkway of locomotive

REDBANK, Queensland — Australia’s largest freight rail company, Aurizon, has contracted with Progress Rail to build what the companies are calling the first zero-emission-capable freight locomotive to be constructed in Australia, a battery-electric unit. Progress Rail will retrofit one of Aurizon’s existing 4000-class diesel locomotives, Clyde Engineering units built by Walkers, at the Progress Rail […]

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