Amtrak sets hearing, seeks comments on accessibility plans for long-distance equipment

Amtrak wheelchair lift

WASHINGTON — Amtrak is considering the use of semi-permanent coupling in its next generation of long-distance trainsets, and as a result will seek regulatory approval to address accessibility requirements through accommodations throughout those trainsets, rather than in individual cars. That proposal is included in a website the passenger operator has launched as it seeks public […]

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Short Amtrak consists of the 2000s

A model passenger train crosses a bridge over water and a freight train

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour we’ve taken of Amtrak’s short consists throughout the railroad’s history. Starting with the modern era, we then went back in time to the 1970s, then the 80s and 90s. This month, we’re looking at my favorite era of short Amtrak consists. Is it because that’s when I grew up? […]

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News & Products for the week of August 7th 2023

August 7th: An image of multiple model freight cars in different color scheems

News & Products for the week of August 7th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of August 7th 2023. […]

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LIRR completes repairs following derailment

Crane lifts damaged commuter EMU car after derailment

NEW YORK — The Long Island Rail Road reported early this morning it had completed all infrastructure repairs following last Thursday’s derailment at Hall Interlocking and expects to operate a regular schedule of trains for today’s morning rush hour. Some LIRR routes are currently reporting scattered delays, but the issues are unrelated to the derailment, […]

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Two electrocuted at ‘L’ station

Logo of Chicago Transit Authority

OAK PARK, Ill. — Fire officials in Oak Park report two people were injured, one critically, when they came into contact with the electrified third rail at a Chicago Transit Authority station on Saturday. WGN-TV reports paramedics were called to the Ridgeland Green Line station about 7:24 p.m. after two people, part of a group […]

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At least 30 killed in derailment in Pakistan

Logo of Pakistan Railways

NAWABSHAH, Pakistan — At least 30 people were killed and more than 100 injured when Pakistan Railways’ Hazara Express passenger train derailed Sunday, the BBC reports. The derailment occurred about 170 miles northeast of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and the train’s starting point. Al Jazeera reports Minister of Railways Kahwaja Saad Rafique told reporters at […]

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CSX derailment halts Amtrak service west of Albany, N.Y.

Fire truck next to derailed tank cars on closed highway

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Thirteen cars of a CSX Transportation train derailed near Albany, N.Y., this morning, disrupting Amtrak service and leading to road closures. WNYT-TV reports most of the cars, part of a 157-car train en route from Selkirk, N.Y., to Buffalo, were empty tank cars. Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith said there were no […]

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LIRR operations continue to be affected by Thursday derailment

Trackside view of derailed train

NEW YORK — Long Island Rail Road operations continue to see some delays and cancellations during the morning rush hour today (Aug. 4) following Thursday’s derailment of a train at Hall Interlocking near the Jaimaica station in Queens. Thirteen people were injured, two seriously, when eastbound train No. 722 derailed at 54 mph about 11:15 […]

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Ottawa official ‘confident’ light rail line will reopen Aug. 14

Red and white light rail trainset in station

OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa’s transit service manager now says she is “very confident” that the light rail Confederation Line will resume operation on Aug. 14, after initially hedging on that estimate. The Ottawa Citizen reports Renée Amilcar said Thursday that she holds that view “based on the work done by RTG [system operator Rideau Transit […]

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