Early Santa Fe diesel locomotives

Motorcar in front of brick station

  In 1931-32, Chief Mechanical Engineer Charles T. Ripley applied his European experience, along with his work on steam motorcar M-104 back in 1911, as he worked with Winton Engine Manufacturing Co., Electro-Motive Corp., and the Pullman Co. in the design, development, and introduction to service of a distillate-engine-powered motorcar, the M-190. The articulated M-190 […]

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Weather leads to Amtrak cancellations in Midwest (updated)

City of New Orleans hurries through Matteson, Ill., on May 21, 2020

CHICAGO — A major, slow-moving storm has led to a flurry of Amtrak cancellations today (Friday, April 4) in the Midwest. Cancellations today, according to the Amtrak Alerts social media feed, include: — Both directions of the Texas Eagle between St. Louis and Marshall, Texas; — Both directions of the City of New Orleans; — […]

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Brightline introduces new rewards program

Yellow and white streamlined locomotive at station

MIAMI — Brightline has launched a program to reward frequent riders, offering points that can be redeemed for tickets and other items. The company said the program, announced today (April 4, 2025), will provide incentives for Florida residents, who make up 66% of riders, and repeat customers, who are 72% of the ridership, as well […]

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Wind blamed for derailment of CSX intermodal train

CSX logo

FOSTORIA, Ohio — High winds are being blamed for the derailment of 18 cars of a CSX intermodal train near Fostoria early Thursday, WTOL-TV reports. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that it called to the scene at approximately 12:42 a.m. after being informed of the derailment. The train was stationary […]

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Texas lawmakers subpoena Texas Central for corporate information

Illustration of high speed train at station

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Central is once again the subject of unwelcome attention from Texas legislators. The state House Transportation Committee on Thursday (April 3) voted to subpoena financial documents from the company, KBTX-TV reports, saying a Texas Central representative did not sufficiently answer questions about finances, management, and foreign backing for the proposed Dallas-Houston […]

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Truck driver cited in collision that derailed CSX train

CSX logo

FRIEDENS, Pa. — A truck driver whose vehicle struck and derailed a CSX train at a grade crossing has been cited by Pennsylvania state police for his role in March 10 accident. Bradley Mahan, 43, of Johnstown, Pa., was charged with driving at an unsafe speed, the Somerset Daily American reports. The accident report says […]

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Micro Engineering acquires Tomalco Track

Micro Engineering acquires Tomalco Track: The logo for Micro Engineering Company, which features black text against a yellow background

Micro Engineering, the Macon, Missouri-based model railroad track manufacturer, announced in a recent press release that it has acquired Tomalco Track. “Micro Engineering Company is pleased to announce the addition of Tomalco Track and its S scale tooling to the Micro Engineering family. Micro Engineering will be adding six different S scale items to its […]

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Examination of Horizon corrosion issues continue: Analysis

Going-away shot of passenger train with two smooth-sided coaches in foreground

KANONA, N.Y. — Whether any of Amtrak’s 70-car Horizon fleet can ever return to active duty is still to be determined following extensive examination of ten vehicles at carbuilder Alstom’s 130,000-square-foot inspection and overhaul facility at Kanona in upstate New York. Meanwhile, the rapid deployment of Northeast Corridor Amfleet equipment to the Pacific Northwest means […]

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New U.S. tariffs pummel railroad stocks (updated)

Yellow locomotives leading train of double-stacked containers over bridge

Railroad stocks tumbled today in response to the Trump administration’s Wednesday announcement of widespread tariffs on U.S. trading partners. It was an indication that investors believe the tariffs will raise prices and have a negative impact on consumer spending, which in turn will reduce demand for the raw materials and finished products that railroads carry. […]

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Light rail service fully restored by Santa Clara VTA

Map of San Jose, Calif.-area light rail system

SAN JOSE, Calif. — All Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority light rail service has been restored as of today (April 3, 2025), marking the first time since March 9 the three-line, 42-mile, 60-station system has been fully operable. The Green Line, between Old Ironsides in Santa Clara and Winchester in Campbell, was the last line […]

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