Bakken Energy announces alliance with BNSF Railway

BNSF Railway logo

BISMARCK, N.D. – Bakken Energy, a developer of affordable clean hydrogen, announced a memorandum of understanding with BNSF Railway to collaborate on the design of the Heartland Hydrogen Hub. In collaboration with the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana, Bakken Energy is working on the design of the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, a regional […]

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George Walker, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum general manager, dies

Man in safety vest in door of steam locomotive cab

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — George Walker, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum general manager, passenger operations, died Jan. 4, 2023, following an accident at the organization’s shop facility in the early afternoon hours, according to Penelope Soule Gault, museum marketing and public relations director, and a statement posted on their website. The museum’s statement reads: “The Tennessee Valley […]

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Caltrain marks milestones in electrification project

Caltrain logo

SAN FRANCISCO — In 2022 California’s Caltrain achieved a number of milestones for its $2.44 billion electrification project from San Francisco to its Tamien Station in San Jose, Calif. It’s the largest electrification project in the U.S. since Amtrak completed electrification of its Northeast Corridor from New Haven to Boston in 2000. Construction on the […]

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Sisseton Milbank Railroad seeking federal grants to rebuild line

Web of 75-pound rail

  SISSETON, S.D. — The Sisseton Milbank Railroad, owned by Twin Cities & Western Railroad, is seeking $24.7 million in grant funds to rebuild the railroad, the Watertown (S.D.) Public Opinion reported. The former Milwaukee Road branch line was built in 1893 and still has 75-pound rail. The railroad can’t handle 286,000 pound cars and […]

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State, local rail projects part of Omnibus funding bill

passenger train conductor scanning tickets

WASHINGTON — In December, Congress passed the fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which will continue funding for the federal government. Appropriators included significant funding for passenger rail and transit grant programs, which came in addition to capital funding included in the five-year Bipartisan Infrastructure bill. The measure includes $2.45 billion for Amtrak — below […]

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Five common shortline diesel locomotives in North America

Three red and white diesel

Five common shortline diesel locomotives in North America: When it comes to short lines and regional railroads, differences abound. Their location, size and overall operation makes each stand out from one another. It’s usually true with motive power too, but railroads can and do populate their rosters with common locomotives that have proved their worth […]

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Circumnavigating the metroplex

Light-rail train at underground station

Traveling Dallas-Fort Worth by rail During my recent trip to Fort Worth for the Railway Supply Institute conference, my brother, a Fort Worth resident, suggested taking part of a day to make a loop by rail around the Dallas-Fort Worth area by rail transit. Come along as we’re traveling Dallas-Fort Worth by rail. Such a […]

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HO scale modernized gas station from Walthers

Modernized gas station: A greay gas station with a green roof against a white background

HO scale modernized gas station from Walthers Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59.98 Era: 1990s+ Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com Walthers modernized gas station features: Printed convenience store interior Modern service island with updated pumps Cashier counter interior detail Includes separate soda and ice machines, wastebasket, tire stands, […]

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Trinity 3281 hopper from Walthers Mainline

Trinity 3281 hopper: A pink model hopper car is shown against a white background

Trinity 3281 hopper from Walthers Mainline Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $31.98 Era: Late 1990s+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com Trinity 3281 hopper features: Separately-applied brake gear, running board, discharge gates, inlet hatches, and end ladder cages Correct 36″ RP-25 metal wheelsets Proto-Max […]

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Bob Cochran’s Vermont Rail System in HO scale

Trains.com Video features layout owner Bob Cochran and his 22’-10” x 25’-7” HO scale (1:87) Vermont Rail System inspired by Rutland Railroad’s Bellow Falls Subdivision. Bob grew up watching trains of Central Vermont and Boston & Maine across from his childhood home in Bellow Fall, Vt., so you’ll be sure to see plenty of Northeastern […]

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Bob Cochran’s Vermont Rail System in HO scale

Trains.com Video features layout owner Bob Cochran and his 22’-10” x 25’-7” HO scale (1:87) Vermont Rail System inspired by Rutland Railroad’s Bellow Falls Subdivision. Bob grew up watching trains of Central Vermont and Boston & Maine across from his childhood home in Bellow Fall, Vt., so you’ll be sure to see plenty of Northeastern […]

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Rotary snowplow clears Cumbres Pass

Of all the forces that can bring trains to a halt, snow has to be one of the fiercest elements that Mother Nature can throw at a railroad. Keeping the tracks clear is a never-ending battle in the winter months. Depending on the severity, plows and flangers can do a good job winning the battle. […]

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