Norfolk Southern adds to certified rail-served industrial sites

Norfolk Southern logo

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern continues to expand its industrial site development with the recent certification of nine additional rail-served properties in seven states through the Redi Sites program. This brings the total number of NS Redi-certified sites to 12, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing prime locations for businesses seeking rail-integrated solutions. The Redi Sites […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 5 | Transferring a track plan

In this episode, David demonstrates a simple process for plotting the track plan for the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad onto the essential layer of subroadbed material. After measuring twice, he then shows the next steps to carefully cutting out the parts and pieces needed to assemble a foundation for layout […]

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Amtrak deals with Cascades mechanical woes, snowbound California Zephyr

SEATTLE — Amtrak maintenance issues that caused cancellation of Sounder commuter service spilled over into Cascades intercity departures, with buses substituting for Seattle-Eugene, Ore., service because of a shortage of serviceable equipment. Meanwhile, Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr tried to fight its way through a dangerous Nebraska blizzard — and lost. Those were among the operational […]

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Strong winds gum up BNSF’s Southern Transcon

FORT WORTH, Texas — Persistent, strong winds have caused congestion on BNSF Railway’s Southern Transcon, the railroad said in a customer service advisory on Thursday, March 20. “The BNSF network is currently experiencing challenges, particularly on the Southern Transcon, due to excessive and extended winds exceeding 75 mph that have impacted service consistency, alongside unexpected […]

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Chicago transit agencies paint dire picture of major service cuts

Two commuter trains on three-track main line in golden-hour lighting

CHICAGO — Expanding on a warning issued by Metra’s CEO earlier this month, the Chicago-area Regional Transportation Authority has released a dire picture of potential cuts to area transit if a potential $770 million funding shortfall is not addressed before the current state legislative session ends in May. Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Metra […]

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STB sets schedule for Metra-Union Pacific trackage rights case

Commuter train passes under bridge with freight train in distance

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has set the schedule to address Metra’s request for action compelling Union Pacific to continue allowing commuter rail service on its Chicago-area rail lines, establishing a timeline that will have the matter in the board’s hands for consideration by late June. In a decision released today (March 20, 2025), […]

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Three railroads selected for ASLRRA Business Development Awards

Train with blue and gray locomotives passing factory

WASHINGTON — Three railroads — the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg, South Kansas & Oklahoma, and Union County Industrial — have been named by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association as winners of its 2025 Business Development Award. The award goes to railroads that show leadership and innovation with advancements in service, operations, and economic […]

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Campaign to restore NYC No. 3001 passes fundraising landmark

Man working at front of steam locomotive

ELKHART, Ind. — Initial fundraising for the campaign to restore New York Central 4-8-2 No. 3001 has passed the halfway mark, with a new challenge grant launched to help bring in more funds. The American Locomotive Project seeks to restore the 1940 Alco, ownership of which was transferred from the City of Elkhart to the […]

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