MxV Rail begins work on rail test loop

Image showing plans for rail test loops

PUEBLO, Colo. — Work has begun on a 5.8-mile loop track at the rail testing facility being developed by MxV Rail, the Association of American Railroads affiliate formerly known as Transportation Technology Center, Inc. The test loop is part of the facility begin developed at Pueblo Plex, the former U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot east […]

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VIA Rail Canada CEO Garneau resigns

Woman in black coat and white blouse against black background

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada CEO Cynthia Garneau has resigned, Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has announced. The resignation was announced and effective on Friday, May 20. “I would like to thank Ms. Garneau for her service,” Alghabra said in a statement, “and her work over the past three years in contributing to the modernization […]

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7 great Lionel accessories from its golden years

Lionel operating gateman

These 7 great Lionel accessories from the prewar and postwar periods are the ones we think are the tops. This “best of” list is based on quality design, sturdy construction, and general appeal. Don’t agree with our list? Drop us a line at editor@ClassicToyTrains.com, and thanks for reading. There’s more information on many of these […]

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Circuitron ZipZ edge connector and terminal block

Circuitron ZipZ edge connector and terminal block

Circuitron ZipZ edge connector and terminal block Price: $5.95 each; six-pack, $32.95. ZipZ kit six-pack (parts only, requires soldering), $27.95 Manufacturer: Circuitron Inc., 211 RocBaar Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446, 815-886-9010, circuitron.com ZipZ features: Solderless connection system Layout wiring connects to terminal block Edge connector slides onto Tortoise or Smail circuit board Also fits older (tan) […]

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Heartland Hobby Wholesale exclusive Turbo Train 2.0 from Rapido Trains

1971 Amtrak paint scheme

Turbo Train 2.0 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $789.95 Era: 1971 Manufacturer: Produced by Rapido Trains Inc., available exclusively from Heartland Hobby Wholesale, 6929 Seward Ave., Lincoln, NE 68507, 800-713-8274, hhwonline.com Heartland Hobby Wholesale Turbo Train 2.0 features: 1971 Amtrak national tour paint scheme New drive system Completely redesigned single-axle trucks with needlepoint axles All-wheel electrical […]

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Buckingham Branch Railroad founder Robert E. Bryant dies at 87

Man and woman standing near passenger car

DILLWYN, Va. — Robert E. Bryant, founder and chairman of Virginia’s largest short line, the family-owned Buckingham Branch Railroad, died May 8 at his home. He was 87. After a long career with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and its successors, Chessie System and CSX Transportation, Bryant formed the short line in 1988 by acquiring […]

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Coal’s comeback perseveres through mid-2022: Analysis

Train in the midst of green hills

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — American coal prices in the aftermath of the coronavirus have reached unprecedented highs and world events are notching prices even higher [see “Russia-Ukraine war likely to bolster U.S. coal imports,” Trains News Wire, March 28, 2022]. While coal supply remains tight, continued favorable pricing may increase mining-company confidence to tap into reserves […]

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