Q: I’m trying to locate a source for large sheets of styrene. I can find the smaller sheets marketed by Evergreen, but I have been unsuccessful in my search for 4 x 8-foot sheets. Do you know of an online source? I live in the Toledo, Ohio, metro and there aren’t any plastics dealers in […]
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NTSB to investigate rail death in Alabama (additional update)
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the death of a Transtar Rail employee in Fairfield, Ala., the agency said in a social media post on Tuesday, June 17. A Transtar spokesman said in a June 18 emailed statement that the company “regretfully confirms” a fatality. “We are investigating the incident and are […]
Toy Soldiers: Building and Refining a Collection
Kids have enjoyed playing with toy soldiers for decades, but did you know these playthings date back to ancient Egypt? Author Simon Clark has written a book that chronicles these miniature figures and the folks who collect them. The book begins with a lengthy introduction, loosely covering the 1930s through present day, with a focus […]
Regulators ask CPKC to outline plans for recovery from computer-related issues (updated)
WASHINGTON — Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs has called on CPKC to provide the board with a plan to address issues resulting from last month’s computer cutover for former Kansas City Southern portions of its system. The cutover, which occurred the weekend of May 3, has led to service issues in Louisiana, eastern Texas, […]
Watco receives investment of more than $600 million
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Watco Cos., the rail and transportation logistics company that operates some 45 short lines, has received a minority investment of more than $600 million from Duration Capital Partners, the companies announced today (June 17, 2025). The investment will be used to address Watco’s long-term strategic investments, the company said, including assuming full […]
Model Railroader Photo of the Day: Soo Line’s train No. 6
Soo Line’s train No. 6, powered by 4-6-2 no. 736, eases up to the depot in the fictional community of Bahnak, Minn. Lou Sassi took the photo on Ray and Renee Grosser’s HO scale layout in Eubank, Ky. Renee scratchbuilt the elevator and Soo Line first-class depot. Model Railroader‘s Photo of the Day features images […]
No injuries in CN derailment in Mississippi
SAVAGE, Miss. — An estimated 20 cars of a Canadian National Railway train derailed Monday afternoon (June 16) near the town of Savage in Tunica County, WREG-TV reports. No injuries were reported. CN said in a statement to the broadcaster that the train included two cars of hazardous material, but those cars did not derail. […]
Senate subcommittee to hold rail hearing
WASHINGTON — Officials from Brightline, Anacostia Rail Holdings, and the Association of American Railroads are scheduled to testify Wednesday (June 18) at a Senate subcommittee hearing on railroading. The Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation will hold the hearing, “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail Network,” at 10 a.m. in Russell Office Building room […]
50 years ago in Trains: A kid wearing gym shoes
REMEMBER the ads for Uniroyal’s “Tiger Paw” tires? When I was with the Southern Railway, some of us there referred to SR’s U-boats as “Whisperjets” (for the turbocharger noise) and to its SD40s as “Sport Models” (for the platforms). Now, I suggest tagging the Dash-2 SD40s “Tiger Paws.” Those HT-C trucks look as though they’re […]
Trains.com Insider Interview | NMRA President Gordy Robinson talks about the NMRA in its 90th year
Listen in, as Model Railroader magazine Editor Eric White interviews National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) President Gordy Robinson about the organization’s 90th anniversary. Hear Gordy highlight various celebrations planned throughout the year, including those at the upcoming NMRA National Convention (and National Train Show) in Novi, Michigan, plus the actual anniversary on Labor Day weekend (August […]
Caltrain engineers ratify new contract
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Engineers who operate Caltrain commuter trains have ratified a new five-year agreement with the service’s contract operator, Transit Services America, Inc., the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has announced. The agreement, announced last week, covers 68 locomotive engineers. Fifty-six of those BLET members voted, with 50 (or 89%) voting in favor […]
Colorado DOT to hold open house updating Mountain Rail project
FRASER, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Transportation will hold an open house meeting on Wednesday, June 18, to discuss the Mountain Rail proposal for passenger service between Denver and Craig, Colo. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at Fraser Valley Elementary School, 125 Eastom Ave., in Fraser. It will be live […]
