Digest: Group plans study of Dubuque-Rockford passenger rail service

Still more Monday morning rail news:   Study planned of Dubuque-Rockford rail service A Dubuque, Iowa, group is planning to contract for a study to restore rail passenger service between Dubuque and Rockford, Ill., once a proposed Chicago-Rockford service is revived. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports the committee of government and economic officials from Dubuque […]

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Plante, strong safety advocate, ends term on Metra board

John Plante

CHICAGO — John Plante, a strong proponent of railroad safety during his long career at the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra, is leaving the commuter rail agency’s board after serving seven years. Plante was honored by his fellow directors with a resolution citing his tenure at Metra where he served as board treasurer and chairman […]

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Burlington high stepper

2-8-2 Mikado No. 4960

In April 1965, the Mississippi River rose enough at Savanna, Ill., to endanger diesel traction motors, but the tracks were still passable. So, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy fired up fantrip 2-8-2 Mikado No. 4960, which ferried freight and passenger trains (like the North Coast Limited, pictured) through the high water. Photo by Chicago, Burlington & […]

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Digest: CTA approves budget, but warns of possible cuts

The Chicago Transit Authority logo

More Thursday morning rail news: CTA approves budget, but still faces cuts without federal help The Chicago Transit Authority approved a 2021 operating budget of $1.645 billion on Wednesday, but warns significant service cuts could be on tap without additional federal aid. WTTW.com reports the agency faces a $327 budget gap without such aid, but […]

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Detroit’s Delray Tower closed

Detroit's Delray Tower

DETROIT — One of the few remaining manned towers in the United States, and one of just two remaining in Michigan, was idled Monday, as CSX Transportation’s Delray Tower in Detroit — said to be the last tower to use strong-arm levers — was switched over to control of the CSX RN Dispatcher in Jacksonville, […]

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Digest: South Shore ends ‘mask optional’ cars

commuter train

Monday afternoon rail news: With new state rules in effect, South Shore ends ‘mask optional’ cars South Shore Line commuter trains have done away with their “mask optional” car after Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an executive order on Friday on mask rules to try to help slow the state’s surge in COVID-19 cases. The […]

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On30 Laurium, Mohawk & Brockway Ry.

Download this track plan from the November 2020 issue of Model Railroader

The layout at a glance Name: Laurium, Mohawk & Brockway Layout owner: Larry Burk Scale: On30 (1:48, 30″ track gauge) Size: 27 x 38 feet Prototype: freelanced Locale: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Era: 1935 Style: shelf Mainline run: 150 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 4 percent on switchback to lumber branch […]

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