Travel: The art of changing trains

A pair of self propelled rail passenger cars approach a train platform under electric wires. Two railroad workers on the platform wait for the train

Rail travel often involves changing trains. I’ve always delighted in the transition from one train to another. These can be great moments to observe the railroad in action, make photos, and perhaps chat with railroaders and fellow passengers. I’ve sometimes planned changes to include a short layover. For many travelers changing trains represents unwanted stress […]

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News photos: Sierra Northern runs two Santa trains

People surrounding Santa Claus

SANTA PAULA, Calif. — Sierra Northern Railway, partnering with nonprofit Operation Toy Train, ran a pair of Santa trains Saturday, Dec. 7, on its Ventura Division between Ventura and Piru, about 30 miles. The first train, consisting of Genset locomotive No. 2666, an open-air car, and heavyweight business car No. 409, left Ventura at 10:30 […]

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Railbox models in HO scale

Color photo of HO scale boxcar painted yellow on white background.

In October, Editor Eric White, Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy, and I attended the Railroad Prototype Modelers Conference at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Ill. We enjoyed a day of visiting with contributors, looking at layouts and models, and talking with manufacturers in the vendor room. In addition, we split up and attended as […]

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Amtrak SDP40F diesel locomotives

An Amtrak locomotive

Amtrak SDP40F diesel locomotives were derived from the best-selling SD40-2 platform but were far from a success on their own. The SDP40F shared its 72-foot, 4-inch frame with the predecessor passenger unit FP45 from 1967. Internally, however, it was akin to a 3,000 hp SD40-2 with a steam boiler added. That should have been a […]

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Burlington Route passenger trains remembered

A black and white photo of a locomotive passing over a bridge

Burlington Route passenger trains are part of Classic Trains‘ editors’ celebration of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy all through December 2024.       Please enjoy this photo gallery of Burlington Route passenger trains selected from Firecrown Media’s David P. Morgan Library. Since October 2019, Classic Trains’ editors have celebrated a different Fallen Flag, that is, […]

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Union Pacific trains collide in Texas, derailing 12 cars (updated)

Overturned tank cars

BAYTOWN, Texas — Approximately 12 cars derailed after one Union Pacific train rear-ended another on Friday night, sending two cars into a canal that feeds Houston’s water supply, KTRK-TV reports. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident about 8 p.m. on social media, and said no injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were […]

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New Northlander paint scheme unveiled

Front view of passenger locomotive with smaller side-view image of four-car trainset

TIMMINS, Ontario — The Government of Ontario has released the exterior design for the new Northlander passenger trains being built by Siemens Mobility, and awarded a contract for construction of new platforms and installation of shelters at stops along the train’s route. Provincial Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria unveiled the design and announced the contracts […]

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Railroad bargaining group announces deal with dispatchers’ union

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Carriers Conference Committee, the negotiating arm of the organization representing Class I railroads in labor matters, has reached a tentative agreement for a new contract with the American Train Dispatchers Association. It is the fifth such agreement reached by the national group since the latest round of national bargaining, building […]

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