Alstom explains latest delay for new Acela deployment (updated)

HORNELL, N.Y. — Testing of Amtrak’s next-generation Acela trainsets on the Northeast Corridor has shown that further modifications will be necessary, pushing back the date the equipment will be placed in service because additional testing will be necessary. Amtrak revealed last week at a Philadelphia media event that the first of the 28 nine-unit trainsets […]

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Conrail history remembered

Blue diesel locomotives with train of open hoppers

Conrail history starts with Penn Central’s bankruptcy in 1970, a collapse that upset the entire railroad industry. Something had to be done — Penn Central could not simply be liquidated. It operated one-third of the nation’s passenger trains and was the principal freight carrier in the Northeast. Without PC, the industries of the area would […]

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Late-blooming narrow-gauge

New Berlin and Winfield Railroad

The New Berlin & Winfield was a 3-foot-gauge short line in central Pennsylvania extending from Winfield on the west shore of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to New Berlin. It opened in 1905, quite late for a narrow-gauge common carrier. NB&W 2-6-0 No. 2, photographed at New Berlin around 1910, went to Argent […]

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Reading & Northern runs test trip with No. 2102

Steam locomotive blowing out steam

PORT CLINTON, Pa.  — Reading & Northern 4-8-4 No. 2102 made its first mainline run in 31 years today (April 6), as it shoved a short train south 16 miles from Port Clinton to North Reading. The move culminates a 6-year, $1.7 million rebuilding of the former Reading Co. locomotive, built in the railroad’s Reading, Pa., […]

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Excursion on the Ma & Pa

Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad

Between Dallastown Junction and Yoe, Pa., on the Maryland & Pennsylvania, railfans fill a flatcar outfitted with railings during a fantrip on Oct. 6, 1940. William M. Moedinger photo […]

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Delaware Lackawanna and Western locomotives remembered

Black and white image of a steam locomotive passing a depot.

Delaware Lackawanna and Western locomotives: All through March, Classic Trains editors are celebrating the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. Please enjoy this photo selection of DL&W locomotives selected from the image archives of Kalmbach Media’s David P. Morgan Library. Lackawanna steam locomotives were top-notch among Northeast coal-hauling roads. The railroad’s last steam locomotive ran in […]

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News photos: Brunswick, Md., tower moved

Aerial view of interlocking tower being moved across railroad tracks and uphill

BRUNSWICK, Md. — More than 10 years after its closure by CSX Transportation, the preservation of WB Tower in Brunswick, Md., has been assured by its move from railroad to city property. The tower, built in 1910 by Baltimore & Ohio, made a short move uphill on Saturday, April 2. Wolfe House & Building Movers […]

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News photos: Amtrak releases images of interiors for new Acelas

Seats in Acela Business class

PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak has released images of the interiors for the new Acela trainsets currently under construction or in testing, and now not expected to debut until 2023. “Between the sleek design of their interiors, state-of-the-art technology, and sustainable amenities, and innovative safety features, our new Acela trains will help revolutionize American train travel,” Amtrak […]

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Lionel LionChief 2.0 Baby K4 review

Lionel LionChief 2.0 Baby K4

The Lionel LionChief 2.0 Baby K4 is a modern O gauge steam engine that represents the Pennsylvania RR’s proud Pacific type. The model is simply detailed with lots of operating features including a fan-driven smoke unit, lighted flickering firebox, crew figures, and more! It runs well and is equally at home pulling a set of […]

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