Sunset for a Union Pacific branch line train

Three yellow diesel locomotives roll through green fields at sunset

This Union Pacific branchline  train heads home at sunset near Platte Center, Nebraska on Aug. 22, 1988. The train — the Norfolk local returning to Columbus with a little bit of everything in tow — was a common enough sight at the time. The well-maintained motive power includes three, four-axle locomotives. The lead unit is […]

Read More…

Athearn HO Berwick bathtub gondola

Color photo showing B end of HO scale bathtub gondola painted faded black with simulated scrap metal load and red, white, blue, and yellow graphics on white background.

Athearn HO Berwick bathtub gondola Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $36.99 to $41.99; three-pack, $99.99 to $114.99 Era: 1977+ to 2020+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO Berwick bathtub gondola features: Body-mounted McHenry plastic scale couplers Machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours […]

Read More…

NS and UP launch interline intermodal service in Louisville, Ky.

Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific have launched their new domestic interline intermodal service linking Louisville, Ky., with UP terminals via interchange at Kansas City, Kan. GE Appliances is among the anchor customers on the service, which first rolled on Oct. 20, NS said today. The railroads announced the joint service on Sept. 15, roughly six […]

Read More…

WalthersProto HO EMD NW2 review

Color photo of HO scale end-cab switcher painted yellow and gray with red graphics on scenicked based with a sky blue backdrop.

An Electro-Motive Division NW2 has joined the ranks of the WalthersProto line. The newly tooled HO scale model, based on Phase I through IV prototypes, uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and features railroad-specific details, a factory-installed 11mm x 15mm cube-type speaker in both direct current and Digital Command Control versions, and body-mounted Proto-Max metal […]

Read More…

NTSB investigating fatal grade-crossing accident in Elgin, Ill.

National Transportation Safety Board logo

ELGIN, Ill. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fatal collision on Thursday in Elgin involving a Union Pacific locomotive and a landscaping company pickup truck, the agency announced on social media. One person was killed and two were injured in the collision at the State Street grade crossing in Elgin, the Daily […]

Read More…

Union Pacific profits rise on operational efficiency, pricing gains

Two yellow diesel locomotives pulling a coal train. Progress Rail files antitrust suit against Wabtec

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific was firing on all cylinders during the third quarter, as pricing gains and record workforce productivity and fuel consumption led to higher profits despite flat volume. “We are focused on driving continued improvements in our pursuit of what’s possible … Core pricing gains and continued operational efficiencies drove the strong […]

Read More…

UP train derails near Houston

Damaged track and derailment debris

WALLER, Texas — No injuries were reported as 23 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed Monday afternoon in Waller County between the towns of Waller and Prairie View, the Waller County Sheriff’s Office reported on Monday (Oct. 20, 2025). The Sheriff’s Office reported the derailment about 6:30 p.m. CT, and said that 17 cars […]

Read More…

Atlas O Premier Fall 2025 catalog

orange and black model engine

The Atlas O Fall 2025 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include: New locomotives GP30 The locomotive includes Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, detachable snowplow, O-42 operation, and road-specific ditch lights. Available roadnames: BNSF; NKP; Indiana & Ohio; Norfolk & Western; Raritan Central. Available in 3-rail version only. Price: $729.95. New […]

Read More…

Humping at North Platte

20180524

Union Pacific NW2 No. 1091, with extra ballast and low-speed gearing, shoves the last cars of a freight train up the hump. Behind the diesel is the new yard’s car-inspection station. Wallace W. Abbey photo […]

Read More…