Operator in collision of MBTA light-rail trains may have fallen asleep

Overhead view of accident scene involving light rail vehicles

WASHINGTON — An operator who “exceeded maximum authorized speed due to his loss of situational awareness” was the probable cause of a July 2021 collision between two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority light rail vehicles, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report released Thursday, Jan. 5. The operator, who told authorities that he may […]

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Legislative committee suggests limiting MBTA to subway, bus operations

MBTA purple and silver commuter locomotive. Governor reacts following more close calls on MBTA

BOSTON — A state legislative committee has proposed shrinking the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as one way to address the agency’s widespread safety issues. Boston.com reports the Massachusett’s legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation has suggested in a report issued earlier this week that the MBTA be relieved of its commuter rail and ferry operations, as […]

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NS holds steady with 2023 capital plans

Black locomotive with train of trailers in the Midwest

BOCA RATON, Fla. — When it comes to capital plans, Norfolk Southern is holding steady. The railroad is at a “steady state” in basics such as rail and tie replacement, Ed Boyle, vice president of engineering, said Thursday at the annual NRC Conference, meaning its goals for 2023 are similar to its achievements in 2022. […]

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Union Pacific continues to develop tie unloading system

Railroad ties are pushed out of freight car onto ground next to right-of-way

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Ties are a big topic at the annual NRC Conference — just about every railroad mentions how many ties it will replace in the coming year —so it makes sense that Shane Keller, Union Pacific’s vice president of engineering, wanted to highlight UP’s effort to improve the tie-replacement process. Keller was […]

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MBTA letter blasts CRRC for manufacturing issues

Subway train at station

BOSTON — Days before the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority removed some of its newest rapid transit cars from service for the latest in a series of mechanical issues, the agency claimed in a letter that the manufacturer of those cars “has completely abandoned its core responsibilities and commitment to lead, monitor, and support quality management,” […]

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What is a double barrel hopper train?

double barrel hopper train: I saw a reference to "double barrel hopper train" a few months back and cannot seem to find out what it means. Does anyone know?

Cody explains the double barrel hopper train with input from Trains Magazine columnist Bill Stephens. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where […]

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