Amtrak’s Borealis reaches 250,000-rider mark

Passenger train led by road-switcher style locomotive

CHICAGO — Amtrak’s Borealis reached the 250,000-passenger milestone during the July 4th holiday weekend, the passenger operator has announced. The train, funded by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, launched in May 2024. It continues to exceed initial passenger estimates, carring more than 18,500 passengers in its first month and reaching 100,000 riders in […]

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VIA Rail Canada marks ‘Ocean’ anniversary (updated)

Passenger train with stainless steel dome-observation car

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — VIA Rail Canada is marking 120 years of continuous operation of the Ocean, Canada’s oldest named passenger train, with ceremonies today (July 15, 2025) in Halifax. The event includes unveiling of restoration work at the Halifax station and public tours of the train’s equipment. “This isn’t just a train, it’s a […]

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Nevada Northern launches fundraising sweepstakes

black locomotive No. 93 with gray smoke

ELY, NEVADA — With all three of its restored steam locomotives down for repair and the busy summer season in full-swing, Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nev., has launched a “Steam Up Sweepstakes” to fund needed repairs and restore its iconic locomotives to full steam before the season slips away. More than $100,000 in prizes […]

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Flooding hits Amtrak’s Keystone Service

Amtrak logo.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Amtrak’s Keystone Service is currently disrupted by flooding, with delays to continue into the evening after some service was suspended between Lancaster, Pa., and Harrisburg, according to the Amtrak NEC social media feed. Amtrak first reported the problem about 3:50 p.m. ET today (July 14, 2025), reporting that service had been suspended […]

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News & Products for the week of July 14th 2025

Four model locomotives in various paint schemes

News & Products for the week of July 14th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of July 14th, […]

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Lionel’s space-related rolling stock and accessories

black flatcar with model gray submarine

The late 1950s and early 60s were a time of the Cold War, Sputnik, and the Mercury and Gemini space programs. Lionel’s entry into space-related toys was a sign of our nation’s early endeavors with space exploration.  One of the first space train accessories appeared on the cover of the 1958 Lionel catalog. Towering over […]

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Justice Department and Norfolk Southern near settlement deal in Amtrak Crescent case

Amtrak train at station

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department and Norfolk Southern have reached a settlement in principle regarding the railroad’s handling of Amtrak’s Crescent. Government lawyers disclosed the agreement in a court filing last week, which requested additional time to finalize the settlement. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson approved the parties’ request for a 60-day extension. […]

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Upcoming LCCA convention offers free admission

circulate logo with train

Scranton, PA will host the 55th annual Lionel Collectors Club of America’s Convention & Toy Train Show. From July 20 to 26, 2025, train enthusiasts will pour into the Electric City to delight in the magic of railroad history in a city that was built on trains. Curt Camoni, the Executive Director of the Lackawanna […]

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