News photos: BNSF train derailed by tornado in Nebraska

Aerial view of derailed freight cars

WAVERLY, Neb. — A BNSF train was derailed this afternoon when it was struck by a tornado between Waverly and Lincoln, Neb.. The tornado was one of a series in an outbreak across the Midwest today (Friday, April 26). KSBN-TV reports the incident occurred about 3:25 p.m., according to a BNSF representative. There were no […]

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Racine council calls for contract to study Milwaukee-Kenosha commuter service

Map showing rail line and stations between Kenosha, Wis., and Milwaukee

RACINE, Wis. — The city of Racine is continuing efforts to revive the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail project along Union Pacific’s line through those communities, with the Racine Common Council calling for a contract to study infrastructure needs for the project. According to the construction industry publication the Daily Reporter, the council passed a resolution […]

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Clint Jones, operator of Mineral Range Railroad, dies

Man in safety vest on front of locomotive

ISHPEMING, Mich. — Clint Jones, president of the family-owned Mineral Range Railroad based in Ishpeming, died of health complications at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, Mich., on April 19, 2024. He was 79. Son Chris Jones told Trains News Wire in a phone interview that he and his brother Pete will continue business as usual […]

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Milwaukee Road’s EMD SDL39 diesel locomotives

Black-and-orange diesel EMD SDL39 diesel locomotives with white lettering

Milwaukee Road’s EMD SDL39 diesel locomotives came from the road’s desire to replace aging Alco RSC2 units in branchline service.     The Milwaukee Road custom-ordered the lightweight SDL39 specifically for use on its light-rail branch lines. The railroad bought five of the locomotives in 1969, Nos. 581-585. It followed with an order for another […]

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South Shore to introduce expanded schedules on May 14

CHESTERTON, Ind. — The South Shore Line will introduce expanded schedules on Tuesday, May 14, signaling the completion of the Double Track project between Gary and Michigan City, Ind. “The final completion of Double Track allows for the addition of 14 weekday trains, revised times, reduced travel times, and new, limited-stop express service,” Michael Noland, […]

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Great Railfan Roads | U.S. Route 30 in Nebraska

The Union Pacific main through Nebraska is one of the best train-watching spots in America, with a plethora of trains operating over double track and sometimes triple track mainline.  U.S. Route 30 closely parallels the railroad, making this stretch of the Union Pacific a great place to see trains.  Let’s follow the route from Cheyenne, […]

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Steve Miazga’s N scale Missabe Junction operating session

Enjoy an insider’s look at an informal operating session hosted on Steve Miazga’s N scale (1:160) model railroad, set in northern Wisconsin. While you can read about the construction of this 14 x16-foot basement layout in Trains.com bonus articles and Model Railroader magazine’s September 2018 issue, the real thrill comes from seeing Steve and his […]

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Wisconsin Great Northern acquires steam locomotive (updated)

Side view of steam locomotive inside display shed

TREGO, Wis. – The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad has added a steam locomotive to its expanding roster. Former Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 No. 27 will be moved from its display site at the Carlton County Fairgrounds in Barnum, Minn., where it has been displayed since 1968. Wisconsin Great Northern, known for its ongoing restoration of the […]

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Illinois bill would require transit agencies to report on NTSB recommendations, responses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate has passed legislation requiring state transportation agencies to issue annual reports detailing any recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board and providing status reports on implementation of those recommendations. The bill, which passed by a 59-0 vote on Friday, was introduced by state Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) in response […]

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Parts issues leads to Amtrak Midwest cancellations (second update)

Train with four matching Siemens Venture passenger cars

CHICAGO — Amtrak has cancelled a series of state-supported trains in the Midwest on Friday and today (Saturday, April 13) because of issues involving parts for its Siemens Venture equipment. Responding to an inquiry from Trains News Wire, Amtrak’s Beth Toll wrote in an email, “A supply chain backlog from key vendors has delayed replacement […]

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