Incorrectly lined switch led to derailment that seriously injured BNSF conductor: NTSB

Image of derailed hopper cars in rail yard

WASHINGTON — An incorrectly lined switch led to an Aug. 5 collision between a BNSF Railway train and standing railcars at Denver’s Globeville Yard, a collision that seriously injured the train’s conductor, according to a preliminary investigation report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The incident occurred about 12:11 a.m., when BNSF Train H-LINDEN1-02A, which […]

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Atlanta study seeks to determine site for new Amtrak station

Passenger train at station with "Atlanta" sign in foreground

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission and the city of Atlanta are funding a study to determine a site for a new Amtrak station in the city. “Relocating and modernizing the Atlanta Amtrak Station could create opportunities to improve customer service, ADA accessibility, and multimodal connections for rail travelers,” the ARC says in an online […]

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SMART-MD ratifies new agreement with Union Pacific

SMART-TD union logo

WASHINGTON — Members of the SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department, or SMART-MD, have unanimously ratified a new contract with Union Pacific, the union announced today (Sept. 2, 2025). The agreement, based on terms of deals with other freight railroads, includes annual wage increases totaling 17.5% (more than 18.75% compounded); paid vacation for new-hire employees […]

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In memoriam: Len Carparelli

man and woman standing next to show booth

Leonard Carparelli has passed away at the age of 75 on August 27, 2025.  It seems fitting to share part of an article Roger Carp wrote for the November/December 2022 issue, where one of Len’s repainted engines was featured on the cover.  We at CTT send our condolences to the Carparelli family. – Rene Len […]

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RMT East Broad Top tank car

silver and black model tank car

The history of the tank car dates back more than 150 years. Coworker Carl Swanson from Trains Magazine wrote an article about their history if you’d like to learn more. This car is a single-domed version, lettered for the East Broad Top Railroad (No. RMT-96899-12). I was surprised to learn that the EBT owned one […]

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Atlas HO CNCF 5000 boxcar

Color photo showing B end of HO scale boxcar painted orange with black, white, and orange graphics on white background

Atlas HO CNCF 5000 boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas HO CNCF 5000 boxcar features: 33” metal wheelsets Body-mounted metal couplers Detailed underbody with air reservoir, brake cylinder, control valve, levers, brake rods, cylinder pipe, and auxiliary and emergency reservoir pipes […]

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Two UK railways begin test of GPS-based ticketing system

Purple passenger train with yellow nose

LONDON — Two rail operators in the United Kingdom are testing a new fare system that will replace paper or digital tickets with a pay-as-you-go system based on Global Positioning System passenger tracking. The UK government’s Department for Transport says up to 4,000 passengers can sign up to use the system, which launched on Monday […]

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Grant to aid in N&W No. 611’s return to operation

Fireman shoveling coal into firebox of steam locomotive

ROANOKE, Va. — The Virginia Museum of Transportation has received a $15,000 grant from the Phillips Charitable Foundation Inc. to support firebox maintenance on its Norfolk & Western Class J 4-8-4, No. 611. The foundation’s benefactor, Howard W. Phillips, displayed a lifelong love for trains as well as an appreciation for historic preservation. This led […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for September 2025

blue and yellow model hopper car

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075 has announced 50 Waffle Boxcars as part of the Premier line. The boxcars feature sliding doors, metal handrails, and O-31 operation (20-99481 shown). Estimated delivery in February 2026. Price: $84.95. Website: mthtrains.com Trainworld, 751 McDonald Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11218, is […]

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Rapido Trains HO EMD GP40

Color photo showing nose of HO scale four-axle road switcher painted silver, orange, and black on white background

Rapido HO Trains EMD GP40 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single unit — direct current, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95. Locomotive with slug — direct current, $449.95; with ESU LokSound V5 decoder, $669.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido Trains HO EMD GP40 diesel locomotive features: Ditch […]

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