Montana Rail Link, for all intents and purposes, is over. Simply awaiting STB approval before the final chapter is written and the company fades into the history books. The story began in 1987, when a new company was formed to lease the former Northern Pacific mainline, then owned by Burlington Northern, from Sandpoint, Idaho, to […]
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators will issue a decision by March 8 on Montana Rail Link’s request for permission to discontinue service over 656.47 miles of track in Montana and Idaho as part of the early termination of its lease with BNSF Railway. In a decision released today, the Surface Transportation Board accepted MRL’s petition, set […]
RALEIGH, N.C. — A dozen North Carolina short lines will receive approximately $12 million for infrastructure improvements under the state’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program, the N.C. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday, Dec. 7. The recipients match the state funds, leading to approximately $24 million in work to support improvements to 52 […]
Did you think railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman would end his unique treks to the American West after one year? Not a chance! In this new phase of his explorations, you’ll enjoy an even more scintillating look at expansive western scenery and the full scope of trains running through it. Look for a mix of short-form, […]
Enjoy this exclusive Trains.com Video highlighting the processes veteran layout builder and frequent author Lance Mindheim uses to build and deliver top-notch layouts to clients throughout the world. In this instance, you can glean rare insights from the construction of the 10’-6” x 22’-0” HO scale (1:87) Bishop Street Branch inspired by Guilford/Pan Am Railways […]
Enjoy this exclusive Trains.com Video highlighting the processes veteran layout builder and frequent author Lance Mindheim uses to build and deliver top-notch layouts to clients throughout the world. In this instance, you can glean rare insights from the construction of the 10’-6” x 22’-0” HO scale (1:87) Bishop Street Branch inspired by Guilford/Pan Am Railways […]
Did you think railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman would end his unique treks to the American West after one year? Not a chance! In this new phase of his explorations, you’ll enjoy an even more scintillating look at expansive western scenery and the full scope of trains running through it. Look for a mix of short-form, […]
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — Short line owner and operator Regional Rail LLC will add three railroads to its holdings, having agreed to acquire three Midwestern operations from Agracel Rail Holdings. The new additions are the Effingham Railroad Co., located in the Effingham (Ill.) Industrial Park, which offers interchange with Canadian National and CSX Transportation; the […]
NEW ORLEANS — Two short lines will each receive $1.5 million grants from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development under its Class II and III Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program, the department has announced. The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad will receive funds toward construction of the NOPB Transloading Industrial Park in New Orleans East, […]
WASHINGTON — Independent North Carolina short line Aberdeen Carolina & Western will acquire the 104 miles of track it has leased from Norfolk Southern since 1989. The Piedmont Subdivision runs from milepost 282.63 in Gulf, N.C., to milepost 386.91 in Charlotte. The deal, outlined in a regulatory filing with the Surface Transportation Board, is expected […]
INDIANAPOLIS — After a pandemic cancellation in 2020 and a modified form of operation in 2021, the Indiana Rail Road’s Santa Train returns to its traditional format this weekend, making 12 stops over three days Friday through Sunday, Dec. 2-4. The train’s stops will offer guests the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, […]
How to change a locomotive brake shoe: Probably the most important mechanical devices in railroading are the brakes. Whether they be on locomotives, freight cars or passenger cars, properly maintained brakes are a critical component for safe operations. Just like the brakes on your personal vehicle, the material composition on brake shoes wear out and […]
