PARIS — Global technology firm Thales is on the verge of selling its rail signal business to Hitachi for about $2 billion, Reuters reports. The French firm, which provides electronic systems for aerospace, defense, and digital security applications, plays a significant role in European railways, with its European Train Control System used in 42 countries. […]
Canadian National and Canadian Pacific have both announced records for Canadian grain movement in the just completed 2020-21 crop year, with CN setting a second consecutive record and CP reaching a new mark for the fourth consecutive year. CN says it moved more than 31 million metric tons of grain, bettering last year’s mark of […]
Follow along as Cody Grivno, Model Railroader group technical editor, takes a closer look at a Jacksonville Terminal Co. National Steel Car 53-foot 17 post-well car! […]
How did you get started in the hobby? I definitely remember my early years (age 5) with my first tinplate locomotive. My father built what is known locally as “Christmas Garden.” The outside loop was Lionel Standard gauge, while the inner figure eight was a wind-up O gauge passenger train. I am celebrating 75 years […]
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham woman has pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge and violence against a railroad carrier as a result of a November 2020 incident involving BNSF Railway in the Bellingham area. The Associated Press reports Samantha Frances Brooks, 27, entered a guilty plea in July and a federal judge accepted the plea last […]
HUNTINGTON, Mo. — An estimated 33 cars of a Norfolk Southern train, many of them carrying new automobiles, derailed Monday afternoon in northern Ralls County, Mo. No injuries or hazardous material spills were reported. KHQA-TV reports the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other first responders were notified of the derailment about 12:15 p.m. The accident […]
WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board investigators have determined that one Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority light rail train was traveling at 30 mph when it struck another train Friday in an accident that injured 25 people. In a press release, the NTSB said it had obtained information from the event recorder on the train that […]
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Amtrak P42 No. 108 displays a 50th anniversary version of the interim “Phase VI” paint scheme as it leads the westbound Lake Shore Limited on Friday, July 30. The design is similar to one introduced on the first of the new Siemens ALC42 Charger locomotives [see “Amtrak shows off first long-distance Siemens […]
OTTAWA, Ontario — Transport Canada has approved new rules to address uncontrolled movement of railway equipment during switching. The approved rules, announced July 30, determine when air brakes must be used during switching, to ensure a consistent approach across the rail system; measure to secure stationary equipment during switching operations; and speed restrictions when switching […]
WEED, Calif. — Union Pacific has reopened the Dry Canyon Bridge a month ahead of its original estimate, allowing the railroad to resume operations on its I-5 Corridor line between California and the Pacific Northwest. The railroad initially estimated the bridge would not be completed until Sept. 1, but last week said it could be […]
Tools Model 441 thread and cord scissors. Soft grip handles, Light-Touch return spring, and one serrated griping edge for holding threads, cords, and yarns. Ideal for cutting elastic cord, thread, nylon beading thread, yarn, and other materials. $20.25. Xuron Corp., 207-283-1401, xuron.com Books Los Angeles Railway. Book compares vintage images from the Mount Lowe Preservation Society […]
O scale structures Margie’s Macchiatos Coffee Shop. Injection-molded plastic kit with snap-together main parts, second floor bay window, and waterslide decals with various nameplates. Measures 9-3/4” x 5-1/4” x 8. $72.50. Fourth quarter 2021. Atlas O Hillside Structure line. Atlas O, 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com Steve’s Music Store. Injection-molded plastic kit with snap-together main parts, inset front door, […]
