Sources for large styrene sheet

Color photo showing white styrene sheet used as backdrop on unfinished model railroad.

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)

Logo of Transtar rail

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 […]

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Toy Soldiers: Building and Refining a Collection

cover of toy soldier book

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 […]

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Watco receives investment of more than $600 million

Louisiana shortline’s first train sits on tracks on startup day.

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 […]

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No injuries in CN derailment in Mississippi

Canadian National logo

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. […]

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Senate subcommittee to hold rail hearing

Trains Washington Watch logo

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 […]

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50 years ago in Trains: A kid wearing gym shoes

A magazine spread from June 1975 features a large photograph of an Electro-Motive SD40 diesel speeding down the track

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 […]

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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 […]

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Caltrain engineers ratify new contract

Red and white electric mutliple-unit commuter trains at station

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 […]

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Colorado DOT to hold open house updating Mountain Rail project

Map of rail route between Denver and Craig, Colo.

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 […]

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