News photos: NS train derails near Horseshoe Curve

Overturned trailers on flatcars

ALTOONA, Pa. — A westbound Norfolk Southern intermodal train has derailed near Horseshoe curve, leading authorities to ask the public to stay away from the area. Photographer D. Collin Reinhart reports the derailment of westbound train 21G occurred Monday afternoon on Main 2 in the area of Allegrippus Curve, blocking all three tracks, and only […]

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Fertilizer shippers single out CSX Transportation service problems

Train crossing bridge

WASHINGTON — The association representing fertilizer shippers says federal regulators should put CSX Transportation under the microscope due to widespread service problems that stem from a shortage of train crews. “For the past several months, CSX has had serious rail service problems, hindering the fertilizer industry’s ability to serve its farmer customers,” Corey Rosenbusch, chief […]

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California’s Fillmore & Western to cease operations

Steam-powered tourist train

FILLMORE, Calif. — Southern California short line and excursion railroad Fillmore & Western Railway will officially cease operations June 30, 2021. The current operators, Dave and Tresa Wilkinson, are retiring from the tourist railroad business after more than 30 years. They have successfully operated excursion trains, Mystery Dinner trains, and Santa Claus, specials among others. […]

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CSX announces new roles for three executives

CSX logo

JACKSONVILLE — Executives Mark K. Wallace, Kevin S. Boone, and Sean R. Pelkey will move into new roles in changes announced today by CSX Corp. Wallace, who had been executive vice president of sales and marketing, becomes executive vice president, a role focusing on special projects and initiatives supporting CEO James M. Foote. Wallace is […]

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CSX Transportation CEO remains confident about Pan Am acquisition

Front of a train

CSX Transportation remains confident that it will receive regulatory approval to acquire New England regional Pan Am Railways despite two setbacks at the Surface Transportation Board. “We’re just in the early stages of seeking authority to complete the transaction from the Surface Transportation Board,” CEO Jim Foote told an investor webcast today. “And I’m confident […]

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Amtrak to restore full meal service on western long-distance trains

French toast with fruit and sausage

WASHINGTON — Amtrak will restore traditional dining-car service for sleeping-car passengers on its western long-distance routes as of June 23, with chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In a Wednesday press release, the passenger railroad promises “a redesigned menu,” new appetizers, and table service with glassware, cutlery and linen tablecloths, with ceramic dishware to […]

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Digest: Amtrak Capitol Corridor service to increase June 7

Passenger train approaches camera location.

Capitol Corridor increases service for the first time since June 2020 California’s Capitol Corridor Amtrak service will increase as of Monday, June 7, with San Jose-Sacramento service going from 16 to 22 trips daily, while Oakland-San Jose service will return to the pre-pandemic level of 14 trips daily. Also, the Richmond Standard reports, Café Car […]

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AAR touts May gains in carload traffic

Table showing weekly rail traffic statistics

WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic in May saw carload traffic at its highest level in more than 18 months, based on weekly averages, according to the latest press release from the Association of American Railroads. Overall, carload traffic in May 2021 was up 30.4% over the same month in 2020, while intermodal traffic was up […]

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Rock Island resourcefulness

Flatcar converted into ramp for loading flatcars

Rock Island resourcefulness The Rock Island converted an old flatcar to a ramp in Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1961. One truck and coupler is still in place (note the wheel stops on the track just to the right of the ramp). D. E. Winter photo […]

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