New publication from Classic Toy Trains

large model bridge on train layout

It’s my pleasure to tell you, our devoted readers of Classic Toy Trains, about our brand-new colorful and informative 100-page special-interest publication: Great Layouts You Can Visit! Packed with photos and filled with stories and details, it offers toy train enthusiasts of every age, background, and level of interest and experience something enjoyable and useful. […]

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GATX car wrapped to promote heart health message

White covered hopper with red "move more" logo.

BEDFORD PARK, Ill. — Ingredion, a provider of food and beverage ingredients, and railcar leasing company GATX have introduced a covered hopper wrapped to support the American Heart Association and promote heart health. The car was unveiled Tuesday, Jan. 6, and is part of Ingredion’s long-term sponsorship of the Heart Association’s Heart of Chicago campaign. […]

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GATX, Brookfield complete acquisition of Wells Fargo rail leasing operation

Black GATX railroad tank car

CHICAGO — GATX Corp. has completed acquisition of Wells Fargo’s rail leasing operation in a joint venture with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The deal closed on Jan. 1, GATX said today (Jan. 5). The $4.2 billion acquisition covers approximately 101,000 railcars. “This marks an important milestone for GATX,” GATX CEO Robert C. Lyons said in a […]

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The Five Days Around Christmas | Day 1 – Cleaning your trains

As part of a Trains.com seasonal mini-series, this episode of “The Five Days of Christmas” highlights David Popp’s efforts to dust off a classic LGB train set—proving that even a 40-year-old engine can run like brand new! Join David as he dives into the essential maintenance, from reviving dull, oxidized track with specialized abrasive blocks to […]

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FreightCar America acquires parts distributor

Logo of FreightCar America

CHICAGO — Railcar manufacturer FreightCar America has acquired parts distributor Carly Railcar Components, the companies announced today. Family-owned Carly Railcar Components, founded in 1995, distributes original-equipment components and operates a core-exchange program for remanufactured parts. Headquartered in Irwin, Pa., it also has a location in Orange, Texas. FreightCar America says the acquisition strengthens its aftermarket […]

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Navy seeks new flatcars to move missiles

Overhead view of long string of flatcars

WASHINGTON — The Navy has begun the process of acquiring new flatcars to replace those currently used to transport missiles between military facilities. In a request for information issued last month, with responses due today, the Navy is seeking to replace the current DODX 40000 series flatcars, designed and built for the Army in 1981 […]

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Thomas named president of TTX

Man in coat and light blue shirt

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Marty Thomas has been named president of TTX Co., the railcar pooling company announced today (Dec. 8, 2025). The promotion is effective immediately. Thomas will assume day-to-day leadership of TTX, reporting directly to CEO Tom Wells. Thomas joined TTX in November 2024 as executive vice president, overseeing supply chain, information technology, finance, […]

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GATX says demand for freight car leases is holding steady

Black tank car

CHICAGO — Rail equipment lessor GATX Corp. on Tuesday reported lower North American profits as expenses grew faster than revenue during the third quarter. The North American rail segment profit declined 31%, to $70.7 million, as revenue increased 6.4%, to $296.5 million. The company said the decline in the segment’s profit was due to lower […]

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Manufacturers producing large scale trains today

Color photo of large scale steam locomotive, stockcar, and caboose on track.

Manufacturers come and go in model railroading. The large scale market, primarily G gauge, is no exception, with a wide range of scales to choose from, and whether you’re taking the hobby indoors or outside. Let’s explore who is producing for customers today, from those with vast offerings to those specializing in specific products. If […]

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TTX joins RailPulse telematics joint venture

TTX has joined the RailPulse Coalition, becoming the latest member of the cross-industry effort to transform railcar visibility, safety, and efficiency through the adoption of telematics and data standardization. TTX’s entry into RailPulse adds the scale, operational expertise, and fleet management capabilities of North America’s leading shared railcar provider, the companies said today. TTX, which […]

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FreightCar America earnings helped by company efficiencies, railcar demand

Red ore care

CHICAGO — Railcar builder FreightCar America reported adjusted net income of $3.8 million, or $0.11 per share, in the second quarter despite weaker revenue from lower deliveries, beating market estimates of $.06 per share. The company said revenue for the quarter ending June 30 totaled $118.6 million, compared to  $147.4 million in same quarter last […]

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