Detailed schedule released for CSX Santa Train

Route map for CSX Santa Train

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — A detailed schedule has now been released for the 83rd CSX Santa Train, the Appalachian holiday tradition launched by the predecessor Clinchfield Railroad that makes its annual run from Shelbiana, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., on Saturday (Nov. 22, 2025). CSX employees, along with volunteers from partner organizations such as Appalachian Power, Food […]

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Canadian government announces $6 billion in infrastructure funding

Transport Canada logo

BRAMPTON, Ontario — Canadian government officials today have announced the creation of two trade infrastructure funds, backed by Ca$6 billion over seven years, that the government says will double the nation’s non-U.S. exports and create access to new global markets. In an event at Canadian National Railway’s Brampton intermodal terminal, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and […]

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D.C. legislator proposes federal grants to address train noise and vibrations

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — District of Columbia Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has proposed legislation to create a grant program to construct barriers along rail lines to mitigate impacts from derailments, noise, and vibrations. “While trains are a critical mode of transportation,” Norton said in a press release, “the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine demonstrated […]

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RailTrends opens with sharp debate over UP-NS merger

Yellow and black locomotives leading train of tank cars

NEW YORK — Rail industry officials focused on only three topics during the opening day of the RailTrends conference: Merger, merger, and merger. Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern dominated conversations and presentations on Thursday. Can the plan to create a transcontinental railroad win regulatory approval? Can it lead to volume growth […]

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Laura Jacobson, museum co-founder, dies

Man and woman standing on turntable in front of steam locomotive. Laura Jacobson, museum co-founder, dies.

Laura (Schlabach) Jacobson, co-founder of the Jerry and Laura Jacobson Foundation, which established the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, died on Nov. 18, 2025, the museum announced in a statement today. Jacobson remained on the museum’s board of directors until her death. She was active in the organization’s leadership, helping ensure a […]

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Norfolk Southern grant to support Tennessee museum’s Pullman restoration

Black-and-white side view of passenger car

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has received a $50,000 grant from Norfolk Southern to support restoration of the museum’s Pullman sleeping car Maitland. The funding comes from the NS Thriving Communities Grant Program, which supports organizations working to further safety, sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience. “The Maitland was donated to TVRM […]

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BLET announces tentative agreement with SEPTA

Logo of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union

PHILADELPHIA — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has reached a tentative one-year deal with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, a rare bit of good news for the problem-plagued transit agency. The union announced that the deal, covering engineers who operate Regional Rail trains, would include a 5% pay increase effective July 5, 2026. […]

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Sunset Models 3rd Rail announces 2026 catalog club

catalog image with steam locomotive on the cover

Sunset Models 3rd Rail has announced a 2026 Sunset Models 3rd Rail Catalog Club. For $59.99 per year, members will receive the following benefits: two printed, full-color catalogs (spring and fall) mailed to your home two days before the public online release  early access to new product announcements a chance to win free product by […]

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Railroad CEOs to highlight MARS Winter Meeting

Mars logo

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The CEOs of BNSF, CPKC, and Union Pacific are among speakers scheduled to take part in the annual Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting, set for Jan. 13-15 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Registration is available here, and is $395 through Dec. 12, $450 thereafter, and $500 at the […]

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