BERLIN — German passenger rail service is in the midst of a second two-day strike this month, part of a larger action by the GDL union, which represents the nation’s train drivers in a dispute with national rail operator Deutsche Bahn. Freight-train drivers went on strike at 5 p.m. local time Friday, with passenger drivers […]
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — Progress on the rebirth of the East Broad Top Railroad continues on multiple fronts as part of ongoing efforts since the narrow gauge railroad was acquired by the non-profit EBT Foundation in February 2020. Some updates: — Work continues on restoring 2-8-2 steam locomotive No. 16 (Baldwin, 1916) to service, possibly […]
Trains contributors Steve Smedley and Sol Tucker present some of their choice images from chasing Union Pacific Big Boy in Texas and the Mid-South. Big Boy’s 2021 trip from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to New Orleans and back is the locomotive’s first excursion since 2019. For more information, see the Union Pacific steam schedule online. Also, […]
WASHINGTON – The Surface Transportation Board on Thursday announced that it has selected a senior staff member, Neil Moyer, to coordinate the board’s efforts in preparing to meet new intercity passenger rail on-time performance responsibilities. Moyer will work closely with board members and staff to develop a plan for on-time performance investigations. Among the tasks: Forming […]
Locomotive 2021 returns with the most comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of motive power trends, new locomotive production, rebuilds, and other changes in North American fleets. This year’s edition also pays tribute to the GE FDL engine. Plus, you’ll find compelling photography and locomotive stories from industry insiders. Don’t miss the best locomotive guide of the […]
NEWTON, Iowa — If there wasn’t enough going on in August 2021 for the steam locomotive enthusiast, here’s one more special event to keep an eye on, or maybe even attend: An Iowa-based Chinese-built QJ 2-10-2 is starting its public tour. On Friday, Central States Steam Preservation No. 6988 made a deadhead freight move from […]
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. – The East Broad Top Railroad reached one of its preservation goals Thursday, Aug. 19, with the arrival of a period standard-gauge, 40-foot steel boxcar to illustrate how the historic common-carrier narrow gauge line once hauled larger cars on interchange trucks. Loaded on a flatbed trailer on Wednesday at the Kiski Junction […]
LOS ANGELES — The California High-Speed Rail Authority board of directors has approved the final environmental report for the 80-mile Bakersfield-Palmdale section of the project, the first portion in Southern California to receive clearance under the California Environmental Quality Act. The move sets the stage for clearance of the full 500-mile San Francisco-LA/Anaheim route under […]
WASHINGTON — Flooding from a nearby lake that weakened and washed out track structure was the probable cause of a 2019 Union Pacific derailment and fire in Fort Worth, Texas, the National Transportation Board said in a report released Thursday. The April 24, 2019, incident saw 26 cars of a 98-train of ethanol derail at […]
NEW ORLEANS — Union Pacific is adjusting plans for Saturday’s display of Big Boy No. 4014 in New Orleans in light of local COVID-19 guidelines. The railroad has announced the locomotive will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Audubon Riverview Park, 6500 Magazine Street. However, the “Experience the Union Pacific” rail […]
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a $10.1 million project to improve rail operations in Mitchell, Ill., northeast of St. Louis. The project will reconfigure rail lines and replace a 97-year-old interlocking tower, with funding from six sources: $5.1 million from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvments […]
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific will boost the biodiesel fuel blend in its EMD locomotives as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Progress Rail has approved the use of 20% biodiesel blend in the railroad’s EMD locomotives with 710 and 645 engines, up from 5%. Progress subsequently announced it had given similar approval for […]
