Atlas Trainman HO EMD GP38-2 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with factory-installed speaker and 21-pin plug for Digital Command Control decoder, $179.95; with ESU LokSound decoder, $274.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas Trainman HO EMD GP38-2 features: Body-mounted Accumate couplers with factory-installed trip pins Cab […]
Section: News & Reviews
Inside the merger mind of Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena
OMAHA, Neb. — When Jim Vena walked into the Union Pacific Center for the first time as CEO two years ago today, he was toting a black, spiral bound notebook that he takes everywhere. Among the entries jotted on the back pages — where he lists ideas, priorities, and possibilities — was a single word, […]
The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger could boost traffic by nearly 10%
OMAHA, Neb. — The proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern transcontinental merger could lead to nearly 10% traffic growth by 2030 — a significant turnaround for railroads that have yet to rebound to their pre-pandemic volume levels. UP and NS did not provide traffic growth projections as part of their July 29 merger announcement. Rather, […]
FRA disbands Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration today disbanded its Railroad Safety Advisory Committee as part of a broader Department of Transportation push to bring federal advisory panels in line with a presidential executive order. “These committees are long overdue for a refresh. Many have not held a single meeting in over a year, while others […]
Conway Scenic Railroad founder Smith dies
TILTON, N.H. — Dwight A. Smith, founder of the Conway Scenic Railroad, has died at age 100. Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II, had been living at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton since 2020. The Conway Scenic said in a statement that it “mourns the passing of its […]
Menards Cripple Creek Rail Maintenance Office
After a long day of track maintenance or repairing rolling stock, a rail employee needs a place to sit down and catch up on paperwork or perhaps schedule tomorrow’s activities. The Cripple Creek & Western crew can now do just that — Menards has released the Cripple Creek Rail Maintenance Office (No. 275-9491). The ready-to-use […]
Goode: UP-NS deal is latest chapter in railroads’ long history of expansion
Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern is the logical outcome of nearly two centuries of rail history, retired NS CEO David Goode says. “The story of railroading has always been the story of mergers and expansion,” he says. And creating the first transcontinental railroad is no exception. These days Goode looks at […]
CSX eyes growth, service gains amid merger speculation
Amid merger speculation and ongoing freight doldrums, CSX will continue to focus on its own growth, service, and operations initiatives, Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Boone told an investor conference today. “Despite a trucking market that’s not really helpful right now … we are seeing truck conversions coming in every week,” Boone says. “I think that […]
Lionel releases 2025 Volume 2 catalog
Lionel Trains has released a 2025 Volume II catalog. The 44-page book includes new items in the Legacy, LionChief, Star Wars, and Accessory lines. Highlights include a Santa Fe Super Chief set (No. 2622020), which includes two F3A locomotives, two F3Bs (one unpowered), baggage car, Pullman sleeper car, dome car, diner, three sleeping cars, and […]
Americold cold storage facility opens at CPKC’s Kansas City intermodal terminal
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Americold today opened its $120 million cold storage Import-Export Hub at the Canadian Pacific Kansas City intermodal terminal in Kansas City, Mo., clearing the way for higher volume single-line, cross-border temperature controlled intermodal service linking the U.S. and Mexico. “This is more than infrastructure — it’s a fully integrated solution that […]
WalthersProto HO Wabash streamlined cupola caboose
WalthersProto HO Wabash streamlined cupola caboose Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $75.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersProto HO Wabash streamlined cupola caboose features: All-new model As-built or modernized smokejack Clear window glazing Detailed interior Factory-installed wire grab irons and handrails Minimum radius, 18”; recommended radius, 22” […]
EBT opens more trackage, returns steam locomotive No. 16 to service
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The East Broad Top Railroad celebrated two notable events on Friday (Aug. 8, 2025), returning 2-8-2 No. 16 to operation after it was sidelined for several months, with the locomotive bringing ta train to the campus of Southern Huntingdon County High School adjacent to the railroad. It is the first train […]
