OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific plans to send Big Boy No. 4014 on a transcontinental trip next year as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. “I want to run Big Boy across the country,” CEO Jim Vena told Trains on Thursday. Vena says that he’s had discussions with Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George about […]
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OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena says shipper associations and other railroads have whipped up some whoppers about UP’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern — even before their merger application has been filed with federal regulators. “It’s truly amazing that they know already what we’re putting in the merger application,” Vena quipped during […]
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OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific was firing on all cylinders during the third quarter, as pricing gains and record workforce productivity and fuel consumption led to higher profits despite flat volume. “We are focused on driving continued improvements in our pursuit of what’s possible … Core pricing gains and continued operational efficiencies drove the strong […]
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WALLER, Texas — No injuries were reported as 23 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed Monday afternoon in Waller County between the towns of Waller and Prairie View, the Waller County Sheriff’s Office reported on Monday (Oct. 20, 2025). The Sheriff’s Office reported the derailment about 6:30 p.m. CT, and said that 17 cars […]
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The Atlas O Fall 2025 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include: New locomotives GP30 The locomotive includes Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, detachable snowplow, O-42 operation, and road-specific ditch lights. Available roadnames: BNSF; NKP; Indiana & Ohio; Norfolk & Western; Raritan Central. Available in 3-rail version only. Price: $729.95. New […]
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Union Pacific NW2 No. 1091, with extra ballast and low-speed gearing, shoves the last cars of a freight train up the hump. Behind the diesel is the new yard’s car-inspection station. Wallace W. Abbey photo […]
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KNOB NOSTER, Mo. — About 20 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed early today (Friday, Oct. 17) west of the town of Knob Noster, closing a major highway and leading to the cancellation of Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner. KMMO Radio reports the derailment occurred about 2 a.m. and led to a closure of a […]
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CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker disclosed earlier this month that his administration seeks to commit almost $1 billion of planned 2026-2031 infrastructure spending to several languishing passenger rail initiatives in the state, but translating proposals into tangible results continues to be a challenge. Hanging over all new construction endeavors is the need for Illinois […]
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WASHINGTON — The CEOs of 40 chemical manufacturers warned President Donald Trump today that the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger will reduce rail competition, drive up rates, and make their companies less competitive in global markets. “You have committed to restoring American manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains, and outcompeting global rivals and we … fully […]
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Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will hold Nov. 14 shareholder votes seeking investor approval of their proposed $85 billion transcontinental railroad merger. The railroads will each hold separate but simultaneous virtual shareholder meetings, with UP’s scheduled for 8 a.m. Central and NS’s scheduled for 9 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 14, the railroads said in proxy […]
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Bachmann HO GATX 4180 Airslide covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59 Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries Inc., 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; shop.bachmanntrains.com Bachmann HO GATX 4180 Airslide covered hopper features: Based on 1967-1968 design Blackened, machined metal wheelsets with RP-25 contours Factory-installed air hoses and roof hatches Freestanding brake system casting with […]
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OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has distributed more than $4 million in grants to 430 nonprofit organizations across its system as part of its Community Ties Giving Program, the railroad announced Monday (Oct. 13). Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000, and support what the railroad says are its giving priorities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, […]
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