A skill-building layout

Opening spread of magazine article.

Q: I recall an article from a few years back that was about setting up a minimalist layout set on a bookshelf or board. It was intended as a quick and easy way to get started in the hobby, especially for those who don’t have a lot of space. I believe it used an NCE […]

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10 recommended track plans for beginners

Illustration on white background showing various rectangles and a bean-shaped oval drawn in black with tan and green parts as well as some black text.

Track planning can go in so many different directions. That’s why it’s often helpful, especially for beginners, to start with an already created idea. From there, you can either fully recreate a plan or use it as a template to adapt as your own. The Trains.com Track Plan Database is a great starting point, with […]

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Fire damages Amtrak equipment at Washington yard

Locomotive surrounded by flames

WASHINGTON — At least one locomotive appears to have suffered significant damage in a fire late Monday night at Amtrak’s Ivy City Maintenance Facility in Washington, D.C. DC Fire and EMS Department, in posts on X.com, reported responding with units including foam equipment to a fire possibly involving diesel fuel at the yard about 11:10 […]

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MBTA removes last slow orders on Red Line

Subway station with crews working on track and platform

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s recent maintenance shutdown of a portion of the Red Line has cleared the route of slow orders for the first time in at least 20 years, the MBTA says. The work between the Harvard and Broadway stations Nov. 17-23, and between Harvard and JFK/UMass on Nov. 24, allowed […]

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Denver airport, Alstom renew contract for people mover

White airport peoplemover with rubber tires

DENVER — Denver International and Alstom have signed a seven-year contract for Alstom to continue operation and maintenance of the airport’s People Mover system. The contract, effective Jan. 1, 2024 and valued at approximately $228 million, maintains the employment of 91 Alstom employees. Under the contract, Alstom provides 24-hour-a-day maintenance and operations for the vehicle […]

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News photos: CSX Santa Train makes annual trip

Train with four locomotives on long trestle

For the 82nd year, CSX’s Santa Train made its journey over the former Clinchfield Railroad on Saturday, Nov. 23, traveling from Shelby, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., in an approximately 9-hour, 110-mile trip featuring a dozen intermediate stops in which Santa Claus and volunteers distributed gifts to those visiting the train at trackside. The train, operating […]

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TEXRail orders more Stadler trainsets

Diesel multiple-unit trainset with airplane overhead

FORT WORTH, Texas — Transit agency Trinity Metro has ordered four more FLIRT diesel multiple-unit trainsets for its TEXRail commuter rail service, Stadler announced. Delivery is expected in 2027. The new equipment will join the existing fleet of eight FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) trainsets in operation since 2019 on the 27.2-mile, nine-station […]

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