KR Models provides update on HO scale Shay

Side view of HO scale Shay geared steam locomotive.

KR Models recently shared a new video and images of a second pre-production sample of its HO scale Shay. The model, based on the Lima-built 50-ton two-truck Class B geared steam locomotive, is scheduled for release this fall. Road names announced for the model include Arcata no. 7, Canadian Pacific no. 111, Merrill & Ring […]

Read More…

Trainfest 2022 announced

Trainfest logo

  Kalmbach Media and the Great American Train Shows will partner to produce Trainfest 2022, the renowned national model train show. The event is scheduled to take place in November at a venue in the greater Milwaukee area. Details on the show will be announced later in March. “We are excited to have the show […]

Read More…

Unions ask for end to mediation over national contract

Logos of 10 unions that make up the Coordinated Bargaining Coalition

  WASHINGTON — Two unions involved in the negotiations for a new national rail labor contract have asked to be released from mediation with the coalition representing railroads, instead requesting to move to arbitration. In a letter dated Feb. 23, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the Teamsters Rail Conference, and the […]

Read More…

BNSF plans capital spending increase in 2022

Double-stack container train passing maintenance equipment

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF will increase capital spending to $3.55 billion in 2022, after a spend of $2.97 billion in 2021, the railroad reported in its fourth-quarter financial summary. Of that $3.55 billion, $2.71 billion is budgeted for maintenance and replacement, including 14,000 miles of track surfacing or undercutting; replacement of 381 miles of […]

Read More…

Canadian rail accidents showed slight increase in 2021

GATINEAU, Quebec — Rail accidents increased in Canada in 2021, while still remaining below the five-year average for such incidents, according to preliminary statistics released Monday by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Air transportation and pipelines also saw increases, while marine accidents decreased. The TSB suggested in a press release that the increases likely […]

Read More…

Athearn adds General Electric AC4400CW to Genesis 2.0 line

CSX no. 1, the Spirit of West Virginia, is based on one of the first six AC4400CWs built. Features on the model include a Holden K5H air horn, angled grab irons on top of the nose, and evenly sized radiator grills on the right side.

A General Electric AC4400CW diesel locomotive joins the rapidly growing Genesis 2.0 product line from Athearn Trains. The HO scale six-axle road unit is scheduled for release in April 2023. Road names in the first release will include The CIT Group (blue and white), Chicago & North Western (green and yellow with Operation Lifesaver logo), […]

Read More…