Freight locomotives can’t always pull modern passenger trains

A black model diesel locomotive pulls a modern passenger train down a grade

If you’re new to the hobby, you might be wondering if you can operate any locomotive on an everyday commuter, intercity, or high-speed passenger train. If you’re looking for prototypical operations on your layout set in the modern era, the short answer is usually no. However, there are many factors which go into this simple […]

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Clint Jones, operator of Mineral Range Railroad, dies

Man in safety vest on front of locomotive

ISHPEMING, Mich. — Clint Jones, president of the family-owned Mineral Range Railroad based in Ishpeming, died of health complications at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, Mich., on April 19, 2024. He was 79. Son Chris Jones told Trains News Wire in a phone interview that he and his brother Pete will continue business as usual […]

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Amtrak Inspector General finds customer communication deficiencies

Passenger train at station platform

WASHINGTON — An audit report released by Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General on Monday suggests the company can upgrade its communications with patrons “to improve the customer experience,” but possible steps to do so onboard trains were beyond the scope of the inquiry. The report, “Opportunities exist to better use data to improve the customer […]

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Fiery CPKC train rolls through London, Ontario

Night fire scene along railroad tracks. Fiery CPKC train rolls through London, Ontario

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board is investigating a bizarre fire aboard a Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway freight train in a London, Ontario residential neighborhood around 10:49 p.m., April 21, according to reports from numerous news agencies and the London Fire Department. Witnesses reported seeing the CPKC train moving through the city as flames shot […]

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News & Products for the week of April 22nd 2024

A model tank car in a white paint scheme with black lettering

News & Products for the week of April 22nd 2024   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 April 22nd […]

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Class I railroads tout their green cred in honor of Earth Day

CSX today announced the winners of its third annual CSX Customer Environmental Excellence Awards, which salute shippers who convert a portion of their freight from truck to rail. “Sustainability is a shared priority between CSX and our customers. Helping them reduce emissions by converting from trucks to rail is an important part of our strategy,” […]

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Guardian Award honors Union Pacific dispatchers

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

Omaha, Neb. — Recognizing the vital role played by its train dispatchers when it comes to safe operations, the Union Pacific Railroad has presented its Guardian Award to nearly 300 dispatchers for their work in 2023. The honored dispatchers work in three locations – Omaha, Neb., San Bernardino, Calif., and Spring, Texas. UP train dispatchers, […]

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Structures buyer’s guide in O and S scales

model gas station

Even the smallest layout needs at least a few structures on it. We’ve compiled a list of manufacturers offering products in O and S scale. We’ve noted each manufacturer’s contact information, what type of structures, the material(s), and if the kits are lighted. Please contact the manufacturer directly if you have questions about their products. […]

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