Alco locomotives on NY shortline railroads

Blue-and-yellow cab unit locomotive next to a depot in a snowy scene.

Alco locomotives on NY shortline railroads Alco locomotives on NY shortline railroads: A drive along twisting mountain byways through freshly fallen snow, ears straining for the slightest hint of the groan from the horn atop an ALCO RS-3, camera at the ready for the first sign of a brightly colored locomotive is how my trip […]

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Patriot Rail completes acquisition of Pioneer Lines

Map of U.S. showing location of Patriot Rail short lines

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Patriot Rail Co. has completed its acquisition of Denver-based Pioneer Lines, nearly doubling the company’s short line operations. The transaction closed Wednesday following regulatory approval, Patriot said. It will expand the company from 16 to 31 railroads, with operations in 23 states. “We are pleased to bring Pioneer Lines railroads into Patriot […]

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Ontario Northland releases ‘Every Child Matters’ unit

Orange locomotive with words "Every Child Matters" on black feather painted on long hood

NORTH BAY, Ontario — Ontario Northland Railway unveiled its “Every Child Matters” locomotive, GP38-2 No. 1808, on Monday, Sept. 12, at its North Bay shop facility, in a ceremony attended by local First Nations representatives and government officials. The “Every Child Matters” initiative is part of Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known […]

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Short lines join call for congressional action to settle rail labor dispute (updated)

Blue and yellow locomotives switching

WASHINGTON — The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has joined the growing list of groups calling for Congress to intervene in the Class I rail labor dispute. Meanwhile, the Fertilizer Institute, which already had asked Congress to intervene, renewed its call after railroads announced they would begin embargoing hazardous or security-sensitive material, which […]

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Vermont Rail System updates its paint scheme

Freshly painted red and white locomotive

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Vermont Rail System, operator of five railroads in Vermont and New York, is rolling out freshly painted locomotives in its new image. But you will need to look closely to notice the minor change being introduced as the company paints power for the first time in a decade. The repaints will carry the […]

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Genesee & Wyoming donates rare RS1325 to Illinois Railway Museum

Two orange and black locomotives hauling tank cars

UNION, Ill. — The Electro-Motive Division of General Motors built just two RS1325 locomotives. Both have now been saved. Genesee & Wyoming Inc., the worldwide shortline and rail services company, is donating former Chicago & Illinois Midland RS1325 No. 30 to the Illinois Railway Museum. The IRM board approved the donation Saturday night and  transportation […]

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Babcock named as Livonia, Avon & Lakeville CEO

Man standing in front of locomotive

LAKEVILLE, N.Y. — Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroads, which operates three lines in western New York and Pennsylvania, has named Robert Babcock as its president and CEO, effective Sept. 26, 2022. Babcock was most recently general manager, vice president, and senior vice president at the Indiana Rail Road, where he was responsible for train operations, […]

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News photos: Guelph Junction Railway lands new customer

Orange locomotive passes construction equipment at work

The city-owned Guelph Junction Railway has added a new customer, Flash Freight Systems, constructing a siding on the city’s north end near Woodlawn Avenue and Edinburgh Road. Flash Freight, headquartered 8 miles north of Guelph in Ariss, Ontario, will be using the siding to transload cement, potato flakes, peas, and lumber. The siding was constructed […]

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