Seeking answers on ‘loss of shunt:’ Special Report

Closeup of locomotive wheelset with antenna mounted next to rail.

Second of two parts Part one of this report appeared Tuesday, Sept. 5 EFFINGHAM, Ill. —The latest round of tests investigating ways to ensure trains always activate track circuits — the process known as “shunt” — involves shunt-enhancing antennas mounted on both trucks of a state-owned locomotive in Amtrak service in California. Here’s how the […]

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The quest to counteract ‘loss of shunt:’ Special Report

Amtrak train with Charger locomotive and Superliner cars

First of two parts EFFINGHAM, Ill, —What happens when electrical current connected with signal systems doesn’t reliably travel from one rail to another when a train passes? Dispatchers “lose” the train — it disappears from their screens — and warning lights don’t flash or gates don’t lower at highway crossings as the train approaches. The […]

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News photo: Not the usual end of train

Red and black locomotive and three passenger cars on end of intermodal train

HAMILTON, Ontario — Canadian National train No. 148 passes Bayview Junction on the Dundas Subdivision on Aug. 28, with AC44C6M rebuild No. 3309 serving as the distributed power unit, followed by three cars from the railroad’s business-train fleet. Reports are the business train equipment is to operate out of Montreal later this month. — Stephen […]

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No injuries reported as CN trains collide in Alberta

Two derailed red and black locomotives and derailed freight cars

WAINWRIGHT, Alberta — Two Canadian National trains collided west of Wainwright about 10:30 a.m. today (Aug. 8), Global News reports. No injuries were reported. CN, in a statement to Global News, said two of its trains “came into contact with each other, resulting in several derailed rail cars in various positions.” The railroad said no […]

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Canadian National releases 2023-24 grain plan

Cover of CN 2023-24 grain plan

MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway this week released its 2023-24 Grain Plan, outlining its initiatives for handling Canada’s upcoming grain harvest. Efforts to handle grain traffic include deliver of another 750 new grain hoppers in 2024 and the recently announced expansion of the railroad’s locomotive modernization program [see “CN orders 60 more modernized diesels …,” […]

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Dock workers warned against turning down latest agreement in Canadian port dispute

Logo of International Longshore & Warehouse Union Canada

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The government agency charged with  settling British Columbia’s port labor dispute has warned the union representing dock workers that failing to ratify a new tentative agreement would be an “unfair labor practice.” The Canadian Press reports the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada and BC Maritime Employees Association reached a new […]

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