A Southern Pacific 2-8-0 pulls a log train on the Cloudcroft branch near Alamogordo, N.Mex. This view is from 1946, three years before the line was abandoned. Henry Garcia photo […]
SP logging train
Zone & Region: Southwest
Arizona city votes to oppose BNSF logistics hub near Phoenix
SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Surprise City Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing BNSF’s plans for a logistics hub in Wittman, Ariz. At its Tuesday, Oct. 7, meeting, the council approved a resolution saying it “cannot support the development … unless it proceeds in a manner that clearly prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and […]
Brightline West seeks $6 billion federal loan as construction costs rise
WASHINGTON — Brightline West is seeking a $6 billion government loan to address increased construction costs for its planned route between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev. A Department of Transportation document indicates the company behind the project, DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC, applied for the loan under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, which dates […]
BLET members ratify Arizona Eastern contract
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified their first contract with the Arizona Eastern Railway, concluding a process that began in June 2024 when workers voted to join the BLET. The five-year agreement was ratified by a 22-0 vote, the union announced. The contract includes wages increases and […]
50 years ago in Trains: Tribute to Santa Fe’s 2-10-4s
In introducing the issue-length article on Santa Fe’s 2-10-4s dominating the August 1975 issue of Trains Magazine, Editor David P. Morgan wrote: “We broke our word. We promised you after our single-subject issues in 1972 on L&Ns “Big Emma” 2-8-4 and Electro-Motive’s 50th anniversary that Trains would not publish any more all-steam or all-diesel editions. […]
75 years ago in Trains: Last run for the Virginia & Truckee
After 80 operating years as one of the most glamorous transport agencies of the old American West, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, running from Reno to Carson City and Minden, Nev., closed its books on May 31 and on that day its last train rolled down a clear track into the realm of legend. To […]
BNSF asks to delay vote on Arizona logistics project
WITTMANN, Ariz. — BNSF Railway has asked Maricopa County officials to delay a vote until November a vote on its proposed $3.2 million logistics and intermodal hub near Phoenix. The Arizona Republic reports a letter requesting the delay from a planned zoning vote scheduled for Aug. 20 did not offer a specific reason, but says […]
CSX and BNSF team up on Florida National Guard’s biggest rail deployment since World War II
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX and BNSF Railway recently completed the Florida National Guard’s largest rail deployment since World War II. CSX originated 10 unit trains that carried 1,265 military vehicles, containers, and systems that were loaded at Fort Stewart, Ga., and transported to Birmingham, Ala., for interchange with BNSF, which then operated the trains to […]
Nevada Northern introduces repainted locomotive for USA’s 250th birthday
ELY, Nev. — Nevada Northern Railway has unveiled its repainted locomotive for America’s semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, coming on July 4, 2026. The design, unveiled on Friday (July 4, 2025), was chosen through a contest held by the museum railway earlier this year. SD9 No. 204, […]
Santa Fe No. 2926 to participate in Downtown Albuquerque’s Railroad Days
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe No. 2926’s yearly visit to Albuquerque’s downtown Rail Yards — a former ATSF facility with sections redeveloped as a multi-use venue and future home for the 4-8-4 — is scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28, as part of New Mexico Railroad Days. It will mark the third straight year the […]
Chief sees bus bridge, Floridian long delays continue: Long-distance update (corrected)
CHICAGO — Although the majority of Amtrak’s regional and Northeast Corridor service has been operating close to schedules despite recent torrid temperatures, June has been a rough month so far for several inter-regional trains. The Southwest Chief has been particularly hard hit, with a freight derailment west of Ft. Madison, Iowa, returning westbound passengers “to […]
Santa Fe No. 2926 approved to operate along 40 miles of mainline trackage
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam locomotive No. 2926 will now be able to stack up additional mainline miles. The locomotive’s owner and operator, New Mexico Heritage Rail, announced that the New Mexico Department of Transportation approved expanded access along the Rail Runner Express commuter corridor out of Albuquerque. According to a press release, […]
