Union Pacific details plans to test feasibility of ground-based conductors

WASHINGTON — Union Pacific is ready to launch pilot programs that will test the feasibility of redeploying conductors from locomotive cabs to ground-based positions, the railroad told the Federal Railroad Administration today during a hearing on the agency’s proposed two-person crew rule. UP believes that ground-based conductors — which the railroad dubs expediters — would […]

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Autoflood III coal hopper in N scale from Rapido

Three gray model hopper cars against a white background

Autoflood III coal hopper in N scale from Rapido Scale: N (1:160) Price: Single car, $38.95; six-pack, $233.70 Era: 2004+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Autoflood III coal hopper features: Die-cast frame and floor Full interior rivet and K-member details […]

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New Belpaire firebox emerges for PRR K4s steam engine No. 1361

Three men standing in front of steam locomotive under construction

ALTOONA, Pa. — The first new Belpaire steam-locomotive firebox built in Altoona in 76 years is taking shape at the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Over the last week, employees of consultant FMW Solutions LLC and volunteers have fabricated a new firebox for former Pennsylvania Railroad Class K4s 4-6-2 steam passenger engine No. 1361 (PRR Juniata Shops, […]

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Empire Builder fights weather, congestion, track issues

Passenger train with two blue locomotives with red trim

MINOT, N.D. — With winter storm warnings in effect across the northern plains from a windy, frigid blast that has already barreled through the Sierra Nevada and Colorado mountains, there is always the possibility that service on Amtrak’s long-distance network will be disrupted. As was the case during a blizzard last month [“Westbound Empire Builder […]

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Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot plug door boxcar in N scale from Athearn

Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot boxcar: an illustration o a green model boxcar against a white background

Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot plug door boxcar in N scale from Athearn Scale: N (1:160) Price: $29.99. Add $5 for Primed for Grime. Era: 1977+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Food Machinery Corporation 50-foot boxcar features: Injection-molded body Scale profile brake wheel Roller bearing, screw-mounted […]

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HO scale Autoflood III coal hopper from Rapido

HO scale Autoflood III coal hopper from Rapido Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $59.95; six-pack, $359.70 Era: 2004+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Autoflood III coal hopper features: Die-cast frame and floor Full interior rivet and K-member details Detailed […]

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The 2022 Lionel American Flyer EP-5

American Flyer EP-5 locomotive by Lionel

The Lionel American Flyer EP-5 is the latest version of a locomotive with a lot of history in S gauge. The General Electric prototype gained fame in service with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. A.C. Gilbert first produced its model numbered 449 in 1956-57 with one motor and a horn. In 1958 […]

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