Indiana Rail Road’s Santa Train set for 2022 run

Logo for Indiana Rail Road Santa Train

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, […]

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How to change a locomotive brake shoe

Man works underneath locomotive.

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 […]

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Washington short line receives funds for track work

Logo of Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The 33-mile Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, owned by Clark County, Wash., and leased to two operators, will receive $4.7 million in state funding for line rehabilitation work, the Columbian newspaper reports. The first $1.5 million will improve the 14-mile section between Vancouver and Battle Ground, Wash., leased to the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, […]

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New propane terminal opens on Pennsylvania’s North Shore Railroad

End-cab switcher and caboose next propane tanks

NORTHUMBERLAND, Pa. — Button Oil & Propane and the North Shore Railroad have opened a rail-fed, 240,000-gallon propane terminal, described as the first of its kind in the region, to offer residential and commercial delivery of propane, as well as butane for manufacturing applications. A grand opening for the facility was held Tuesday, Nov. 22, […]

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Trains Trackside Trailer

Follow Trains.com videographer Kevin Gilliam as he explores U.S. railroading action from a trackside perspective. And when the opportunity arises, you’ll also find other notable contributors capturing footage of contemporary railroad operations – everything from steam-powered tourist train to Class I heavy haulers to Amtrak Northeast Corridor high speed Acela sets. Of course, you’ll never know […]

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Historic Union Pacific equipment arrives in Illinois (with video)

Diesel and two steam locomotives in large shop building

SILVIS, Ill. — Union Pacific’s hospital train of historic equipment from Cheyenne, Wyo. arrived at the Silvis shops of Railroading Heritage of Midwest America late on the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 19, just ahead of planned ceremonies to mark donation of the locomotives and other rolling stock. The equipment, including 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985, 2-10-2 No. […]

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Late bid leads to new owner for San Luis & Rio Grande

Colorado Pacific logo

ALAMOSA, Colo. — In late bidding that trustee William Brandt described as “spirited” to a local newspaper, a short line owned by a Colorado billionaire has won the bankruptcy auction for the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad. The Colorado Pacific Railroad, owned by Stefan Soloviev, a billionaire farmer and son of late New York […]

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Ohio Rail Development Commission seeks federal grants

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has approved resolutions to sponsor four Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant applications, totaling $52 million. Projects Cincinnati Planning Grant — In collaboration with Norfolk Southern, CSX, and Genesee & Wyoming, the project will review and prioritize projects that reduce congestion […]

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