Signal and communications workers ratify deal with CN in Canada

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has ratified a new four-year contract with Canadian National Railway, CN has announced. The union represents approximately 750 signals and communications workers in Canada. The deal includes annual 3% wage increases. “The ratification of this agreement by our employees with the IBEW union represents a mutually beneficial […]

Read More…

Floods halt Amtrak’s City of New Orleans (updated)

Passenger train on curve

CHICAGO — Flooding is disrupting operation of Amtrak’s City of New Orleans, while Empire Builder departures have been cancelled for a fourth straight day. Other Amtrak cancellations announced for today (Feb. 18) include both directions of the Borealis between St. Paul and Milwaukee and a Lincoln Service trip from St. Louis to Chicago, according to […]

Read More…

Six rail projects receive funding from Canadian government

Blue and yellow locomotives

NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canadian National Railway and short line Battle River Railway are among six recipients of a total of Ca$33.1 million for infrastructure projects under Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund. Transport Minister Anita Anand announced the funding, for projects in British Columbia and Alberta, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Richardson International […]

Read More…

Canadian National potash train derails in Ontario

Canadian National logo

EMO, Ontario — Fourteen cars of a Canadian National potash train derailed today (Feb. 4, 2025), the CBC reports. No injuries were reported. The derailment occurred about 7:30 a.m., CN said in a statement to the broadcaster. The railroad said the cause is under investigation. The Township of Emo said in a Facebook post that […]

Read More…

Railroad signs you can model

A railroad sign on a model railroad layout next to an industrial structure with a red truck and a figure seen nearby

There are various ways we can convey to visitors and operators our modeling objectives. Locomotives and rolling stock provide clues as to the prototype (or freelanced) railroad we’re modeling. Those same models, as well as vehicles and figures, can be used to define the era. But what about the model railroad’s locale? Signature structures or […]

Read More…

CN, electrical workers reach tentative contract agreement

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Canada have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract, averting a strike that that been slated to begin today. The union represents approximately 750 signals and communications employees across Canada. They have been working without a contract since Dec. 31, 2024. […]

Read More…

CN signal workers in Canada issue strike notice

Logo of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canada

MONTREAL — Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Canada are set for a walkout on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after issuing a 72-hour strike notice. The Canadian Press reports the union represents about 750 signal and communications workers, who are prepared to walk out if a new agreement is not reached by the […]

Read More…

MARS notebook: CN, STB speakers look at Iowa Northern decision

Man gesturing while speaking

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Notes from the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers’ Winter Meeting, which concluded today (Jan. 16, 2025): The Iowa Northern decision The MARS meeting opened the day after the Surface Transportation Board issued its long-awaited  decision approving Canadian National’s purchase of Iowa Northern Railway, a deal effective Feb. 13 [see “STB greenlights Canadian […]

Read More…

CN debuts its first medium horsepower hybrid diesel electric locomotive

MONTREAL – Canadian National today unveiled its first new medium horsepower hybrid electric locomotive, a Q19-2.4GH developed in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works. The 3,200 horsepower unit, No. 7100, includes a modern control system and is powered by a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine that is 100% biofuel ready. Former BNSF Railway Genset 3GS21B No. 1259 was […]

Read More…

STB greenlights Canadian National’s acquisition of Iowa Northern

Canadian National and lease locomotive with Iowa Northern locomotives on bridge

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has approved Canadian National’s acquisition of 218-mile regional Iowa Northern Railway. The board’s decision today (Jan. 15, 2025) also imposed several conditions to offset potential anticompetitive aspects of the $230 million deal. Among them: The development of a scheduled local service plan, keeping gateways open on commercially reasonable terms, […]

Read More…