BNSF and UP settle dispute over Salt Lake City trackage rights (updated)

WASHINGTON — BNSF Railway and Union Pacific settled their Salt Lake City trackage rights dispute yesterday prior to a scheduled meeting with federal regulators. The deal allowed BNSF to begin international intermodal service between Southern California ports and a new intermodal terminal on Salt Lake Garfield & Western Railway. In a filing posted on the […]

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Jaguar Transport aims to buy two Washington State short lines

Map of railroad in central Washington state

WASHINGTON — Jaguar Transport Holdings, which owns or controls 11 other short lines, is seeking to buy two railroads in Washington state, the company said this week in filings with the Surface Transportation Board. The transaction would include the Columbia Basin Railroad (reporting marks CBRW) and the Central Washington Railroad (reporting marks CWAR). The Columbia […]

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J.B. Hunt intermodal volume surges in East

White intermodal containers and truck trailers on train

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt yesterday reported lower second-quarter intermodal profits despite higher volume and revenue. Operating income declined 4%, to $95.7 million, as revenue increased 2%, to $1.44 billion. Gross revenue per load decreased 3% due to changes in mix of freight, fuel surcharge revenue, and lower rates. As the largest domestic intermodal provider, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Building a glass plant, Part 1

In this all-new Sidetrack Series, Model Railroader Editor Eric White begins building an HO scale (1:87.1) glass plant for the East Troy Industrial Park project layout. See how Eric studies prototype photos and Google Maps to inspire design ideas, and later confirms operational insights with an plant employee. Eric then reveals the Walthers and Pike […]

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Long Beach, Calif., container terminal begins major expansion

Aerial-view illustration of container terminal at Port of Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Container terminal operator International Transportation Service has announced the start of a $365 million project expansion of its terminal at the Port of Long Beach that will increase capacity up to 50% and accommodate some of the world’s largest container ships. The South Slip Fill Project, to be completed by 2028, […]

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NTSB issues final report on 2024 injury to Norfolk Southern conductor in Norfolk, Va.

Aerial view of railyard used to illustrate workplace accident

WASHINGTON — A Norfolk Southern conductor suffered serious injuries in an accident in Norfolk, Va., when did not confirm that rolling stock was stationary before working in the path of a free-rolling car — and NS operating rules did not explicitly address the need to do so, the National Transportation Safety Board said in determining […]

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BNSF launches expedited intermodal service linking Los Angeles with Houston

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway has launched expedited intermodal service from Los Angeles to Houston on a schedule that shaves two days from previous transit times. “By continuing to create more opportunities to convert over-the-road freight to rail, we provide a cost-effective, direct solution to bring freight to the dynamic and growing Houston area,” […]

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The Roundhouse | Using Employee Timetables

In this episode of The Roundhouse, host Brian Schmidt and Bob Lettenberger continue to explore how employee timetables offer rail enthusiasts a “behind the curtain” look at operations. These official documents are vital for planning photography, conducting historical research, and accurately modeling railroads. They also serve as an index to other crucial railroad documents. Be […]

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News & Products for the week of July 14th 2025

Four model locomotives in various paint schemes

News & Products for the week of July 14th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of July 14th, […]

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Justice Department and Norfolk Southern near settlement deal in Amtrak Crescent case

Amtrak train at station

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department and Norfolk Southern have reached a settlement in principle regarding the railroad’s handling of Amtrak’s Crescent. Government lawyers disclosed the agreement in a court filing last week, which requested additional time to finalize the settlement. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson approved the parties’ request for a 60-day extension. […]

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Cybersecurity agency issues warning about end-of-train device vulnerability

An orange end of train device is seen atop the rear coupler of a passing train

WASHINGTON — The federal cybersecurity agency issued an advisory last week regarding a vulnerability in end-of-train devices that could allow an attacker to gain control of a train’s air brake system. “Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to send their own brake control commands to the end-of-train device, causing a sudden stoppage […]

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Athearn Genesis N acid tank car

Color photo of N scale tank car painted black with yellow graphics on white background

Athearn Genesis N acid tank car Scale: N (1:160) Price: Single car, $44.99; three-pack, $124.99 Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn Genesis N acid tank car features: Based on 13,000-gallon prototype Body-mounted McHenry Type F double-shelf couplers Car operates on codes 40, 55, and 80 track Etched, stainless steel […]

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