BNSF rolls out locomotive-based track inspection system

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway will dramatically increase its track inspection capabilities early next year with the systemwide deployment of locomotive-based sensors that analyze track geometry while pulling trains in revenue service. BNSF developed its ODIN system — which stands for Onboard Defect Identification & Notification — entirely in-house in 2023. The system relies […]

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Navy seeks new flatcars to move missiles

Overhead view of long string of flatcars

WASHINGTON — The Navy has begun the process of acquiring new flatcars to replace those currently used to transport missiles between military facilities. In a request for information issued last month, with responses due today, the Navy is seeking to replace the current DODX 40000 series flatcars, designed and built for the Army in 1981 […]

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Steam locomotive profile: 2-6-6-4

Seaboard Air Line twin smokestack 2-6-6-4

During the latter half of the 1920s the single expansion articulated locomotive had evolved into a very capable machine. It could lug a heavy train over mountain grades, and in flat terrain it could run at the same speed as a 2-8-2. But railroad locomotive superintendents grappled with an unanswered question. Could a simple articulated […]

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Toronto opens Finch West light rail line

Aerial view of predominantly white, four-car light rail train running in center divider of roadway

TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission has opened its newest rail transit line, the 10.3-kilometer (6.4-mile), 18-station Line 6 Finch West. The light rail line launched service on Sunday, Dec. 7, offering connection to TTC’s subway Line 1 (University-Yonge), 30 TTC bus routes and other regional transit systems. Regional transit agency Metrolinx says in a […]

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Metra launches online merchandise store

Bilevel commuter train led by cab car at station

CHICAGO — Metra will open an online merchandise store on Wednesday, Dec. 10, offering Metra-branded merchandise such as replica station signs, T-shirts and hoodies, and mugs and water bottles. It is the first time the commuter rail operator has offered such products for sale. “This new store is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen […]

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British Columbia museum receives grant for shop restoration

Several cabooses in a museum setting. British Columbia museum receives grant for shop restoration.

SQUAMISH, British Columbia — The Railway Museum of British Columbia has received a $50,000 Heritage Legacy Fund grant from Heritage BC to assist with work on its car shop. The museum matched the grant, netting $100,000 for the project. The grant funds the reconstruction of the shop’s five rail doors. Each 14- by 22-foot door […]

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SEPTA, TWU reach agreement, averting transit strike

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA and the Transport Workers Union have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract, averting a strike the union had said was imminent. “I am very pleased that we were able to settle without a strike,” TWU Local 234 President Will Vera said in a statement today (Dec. 8). “… Patience was […]

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News Photo: CPKC takes delivery of 100th new ET44AC from Wabtec

Last week, CPKC took delivery of its 100th Tier 4 @WabtecCorp Evolution Series diesel electric locomotive, unit number CP 7549, as part of a multi-year investment in American manufactured locomotive power. These locomotives, being built in Fort Worth, Texas, already are in… pic.twitter.com/O9zRUzaS8A — CPKC (@CPKCrail) December 8, 2025 CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas […]

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