First freight facilities for Mexico’s Maya Train approved

White and green passenger train

CANCÚN, Mexico — The Mexican government has approved construction of the first freight terminal for the Maya Train, which aims to begin operating freight service to go with its passenger trains in 2026. The Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources (Semarnat) approved the environmental impact report for development of the 261-hectare (645-acre) site near Cancún, […]

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BNSF derailment in Montana leads to Empire Builder cancellation

BNSF Railway logo

SUMMIT, Montana — A BNSF derailment Saturday evening (Sept. 6, 2025) blocked the railroad’s main line on its Hi Line Subdivision, leading to the cancellation of Amtrak’s Empire Builder scheduled to depart today from Portland, Ore., and Seattle. An updated BNSF customer advisory says the derailment near Summit was reported about 6 p.m. local time. […]

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Opening of Toronto light rail line pushed back again

Map of Toronto light rail line.

TORONTO — The opening of the much-delayed Eglinton Crosstown light rail project has been pushed back again, although by how much has yet to be determined. The most recent estimate had projected the 11.8-mile (19-kilometer), 25-station line across Toronto would open this month, but the line has yet to begin its required 30-day revenue service […]

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Washington short line not for sale, port commissioners say

Map of short line in Washington state

DAYTON, Wash. — Commissioners of the Port of Columbia have indicated they will not sell the port’s railroad to its current contract operator, raising the question whether that operator will continue to serve the 37-mile line. The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that two of the port’s three commissioners said at a Sept. 3 meeting that […]

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SEPTA aims to restore service cuts, raise fares on Sept. 14

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority plans to restore all service it had cut as of Sept. 14, and will also enact its delayed fare increase at that time, the agency said today (Friday, Sept. 5). The agency has asked the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to approve its use of capital funds to pay […]

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Pinsly to acquire Alabama short line from G&W

WASHINGTON — Pinsly Railroad Co. will acquire 36-mile Alabama short line Three Notch Railway from Genesee & Wyoming. The Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad will purchase the track and assume Three Notch’s lease arrangements with CSX. Three Notch Railway has operated the trackage since 2011. “However, the condition of the track deteriorated over time, and no […]

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Judge orders SEPTA to reinstate all service

White trolley car going uphill on street

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia judge has ordered the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to restore the service it cut beginning Aug. 24, but will allow a fare increase to move forward. The order on Thursday (Sept. 4, 2025)  from Judge Sierra Thomas-Street of the Court of Common Pleas calls for SEPTA to “immediately cease and desist” […]

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Fall for 2025’s Big Steam

Steam locomotive rounds curve during a fall day

Summer 2025 left fans of big steam wanting more, with Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 being the sole Class I representative — and with a limited appearance at that. The remaining locomotives on the scene were few and far between, staying on short lines and tourist railroads. Good news, though: For those disappointed in […]

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Manufacturers producing large scale trains today

Color photo of large scale steam locomotive, stockcar, and caboose on track.

Manufacturers come and go in model railroading. The large scale market, primarily G gauge, is no exception, with a wide range of scales to choose from, and whether you’re taking the hobby indoors or outside. Let’s explore who is producing for customers today, from those with vast offerings to those specializing in specific products. If […]

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