CPKC train derails in Wisconsin (updated)

Derailed freight train

REESEVILLE, Wis. — Twenty-nine cars of a CPKC train were reported to have derailed this afternoon (Tuesday, July 4) in Reeseville, leading to delays for Amtrak’s Empire Builder. WKOW-TV reports the derailment occurred about 1:55 p.m. Chris Abell, deputy chief with Clyman-Lowell-Reeseville Fire & Rescue, told the station the derailed cars were carrying grain and […]

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Steam locomotives: An era long since past

steam train in distance with sunset and cattails

Steam locomotives What is it about a steam locomotives that attract generations? Like the Saturn V rockets of their time, steam locomotives represent the pinnacle of engineering in an era long since passed. Their ability to use simple components, coal or oil with water, to produce power sometimes only inhibited by the hand of the […]

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Big Boy’s story continues

Large steam locomotive pulling a passenger train around a curve. More of the Big Boy story.

Big Boy’s story We all know the old tried and sometimes true saying, “bigger is better.” Yes, a significantly enlarged bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day is better. Finding out that your car repair bill is larger than anticipated … well, not so good. In the eyes of the Union Pacific Railroad, […]

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GO Transit to end Toronto-London, Ontario, commuter train

Green and white commuter train approaches crowded platform

LONDON, Ontario — A two-year pilot program offering GO Transit commuter rail service between London and Toronto — hampered by its lengthy travel time — will not be renewed when the trial period ends in October, the London Free Press reports. The single round trip, which debuted in October 2018, is currently scheduled for exactly […]

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Strike shuts down British Columbia ports

Locomotive switching at container terminal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Port workers in British Columbia went on strike Saturday, an action with the potential for impacts on the Canadian and U.S. economies and immediate significance for three Class I Railroads. Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada’s Longshore Division walked out at 8 a.m. Saturday. The move affects about […]

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Workers strike at Canada’s National Steel Car

White end-cab switcher moves cars

HAMILTON, Ontario — About 1,500 workers are on strike at railcar manufacturer National Steel Car, the Hamilton Spectator reports. The workers, represented by United Steelworkers Local 7135, walked out on Thursday, June 29. Local president Frank Crowder told the newspaper via email that “significant issues,” including wages, remain on the table. The company’s latest offer […]

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Beyond the byline with Robert Scott

guy with green shirt

What was your first byline in Trains? Robert Scott: My first byline in Trains was in the May 2005 issue. I reported on the port expansion in Tacoma, Wash., which helped additional traffic for Tacoma Rail. Since that was more of a news story, it was a few more years before I had the opportunity […]

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AAR sues over Virginia law on broadband access

Seal with woman standing on top of man

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Association of American Railroads has filed suit against a group of Virginia officials, seeking to overturn a law that makes it easier for broadband companies to install lines across railroad property. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the suit was filed in U.S. District Court against the heads of the Virginia Department of […]

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