Atlas O Premier VIA Rail F40PH-2

close up of model locomotive

Watch a video of the Atlas O Premier custom-run VIA Rail F40PH-2 locomotive, as offered by Mr. Muffin’s Trains. This locomotive packs in a lot of detail and features like Proto-Sound 3.0 and O-36 operation. Read the product review of this engine from Contributing Editor Bob Keller. […]

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Amtrak to pay $505 million to settle control of Washington Union Station

Large open space with ornate arched ceiling

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has agreed to pay $505 million to gain control of Washington Union Station, the Washington Post reports. The agreement, reached last week and subject to approval by a federal judge, will settle a lengthy battle over the passenger operator’s efforts to control the commercial space at the station. Amtrak had gained control […]

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Charlotte council approves financing for purchase of rail line

Map of rail line between Charlotte and Mt. Mourne, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s city council has approved financing to purchase 22 miles of a Norfolk Southern rail line for a proposed commuter rail operation. WCNC-TV reports the council unanimously approved a plan not to exceed $93 million to finance purchase of the NS O-Line from Charlotte to Davidson, north of the city, along with […]

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UP says Metra will take over commuter operations in April

Two commuter trains meet on curve

OMAHA, Neb. — The slow-moving process transferring operations of three Metra commuter lines from Union Pacific to the commuter operator is projected to take place in mid-April, UP said on Monday. Transfer of some engineering services would follow, UP said. Mechanical and station agent services, along with some management, have already been transferred. Financial aspects […]

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Maya Train budget slashed by Mexico’s president

Pasenger train in shadows at station

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Maya Train project has been hit by a major budget cut, while at least one other rail infrastructure program has seen a significant boost as President Claudia Sheinbaum shifts priorities, the news site La Verdad Noticias reports. Funding to complete the tourism-oriented Maya Train, meanwhile saw a 70.7% cut, from 125.9 […]

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Amtrak announces winter-storm cancellations on Tuesday, Wednesday

Passenger train in snow

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has begun another round of weather-related train cancellations, announcing three cancellations for Tuesday, Feb. 11, and seven for Wednesday, Feb. 12, because of a pair of winter storm forecasts. According to an advisory posted today (Feb. 10, 2025) at 4:20 p.m., cancelled on Tuesday are: — The eastbound Empire Builder scheduled to […]

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Brightline West construction should start within two months, Nevada official says

Rendering of Brightline West trainset

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Brightline West construction should begin within the next two months, a Nevada Department of Transportation official said today (Monday, Feb. 10, 2025). KLAS-TV reports that Eric Scheetz, Nevada DOT senior project manager, told a meeting of the NDOT board of directors that the agency must have proof that Brightline West has […]

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News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025

An image of two gray model locomotives with red, white, and blue striping

News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025   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 February 10th, […]

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CSX seeks systemwide agreement with conductors

yellow and blue train on track

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX wants to create a single, systemwide contract covering conductors represented by the SMART-TD union. The railroad currently has three regional contract agreements with the union. In a notice to conductors, CSX says that consolidating those contracts into one “will allow CSXT to better utilize trainmen employees throughout CSXT’s system, improve train […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Interview with Stephen Nelson, Owner of Mr. Muffin’s Trains

Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson chats with Stephen and Liz Nelson, owners/operators of Mr. Muffin’s Trains in Atlanta, Ind. Throughout this remote-video interview, you’ll glean behind-the-scenes insights into the past, present, and future of the growing online operation with an intriguing brick-and-mortar location too! You can also read the transcript of this insightful interview with […]

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Most FRA employees eligible for federal employee buyout program

Logo for Federal Railroad Administration

WASHINGTON — Federal Railroad Administration employees were among the government workers offered buyouts as part of the sweeping changes the Trump administration is making to streamline the federal government. But the FRA’s 350 rail safety inspectors were exempt from the “deferred resignation program” due to their role in protecting public safety, an agency spokesman says. […]

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Flying Yankee Association sees funds to restore traction motors

Traction motor of streamlined trainset

NASHUA, N.H. — The Flying Yankee Association, which last year became owner of the Budd Co. streamliner built for the Boston & Maine in 1935, is launching a fundraiser its preservation and restoration efforts. Marking the 90th anniversary of the shovel-nosed, articulated trainset — a virtual duplicate of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy equipment that […]

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