Classic Trains Film Archive | Riding on the Norfolk & Western and Grand Trunk Western, J. David Ingles Reel 0051

Classic Trains Film Archive | Riding on the Norfolk & Western and Grand Trunk Western, J. David Ingles Reel 0051 – Ride trains on the Norfolk & Western, see colorful operations around Kansas City, and explore little-known lines in western Illinois with J. David Ingles. Plus, experience a Michigan snowstorm from the train and ride […]

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At shippers’ conference, some pointed words on dealing with railroads

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — If Class I railroads truly want to grow carload traffic — well, they have a lot of work to do to improve their service. That was the loud-and-clear message from two presentations Wednesday (July 9) at the summer meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers, where Aaron Girard of Seneca Foods […]

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Cleanup continues from Tuesday CSX derailment in Indiana

CSX logo

GREENCASTLE, Ind. — Cleanup continues more than 20 cars of a CSX train derailed Tuesday night (July 8, 2025) in Greencastle, Ind. The derailment was reported to first responders about 8 p.m.  Putnam County Emergency Management Director Sarah Owen told the Putnam County Post that there were no injuries, no hazardous materials involved, and the […]

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Little River Railroad to commemorate 20th year in Coldwater

Small black steam locomotive departs train station.

COLDWATER, Mich. — The Little River Railroad is pulling out all the stops to commemorate its 20th season operating out of Coldwater. An anniversary celebration, scheduled July 26 and 27, will include steam-powered excursions to Quincy, Mich., family-friendly activities, and a guest appearance by Nickel Plate Road No. 765. The 2-8-4 will be at the […]

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STB’s Hedlund on possible transcontinental merger: ‘Bring it’

Woman in light green coat speaking at podium

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — If a transcontinental rail merger is proposed — as has been a subject of speculation in recent months — it would be up to the Surface Transportation Board to approve or deny the request. But the STB, like most government agencies, is now smaller than it was before the start of […]

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CREATE’s Forest Hill Flyover project marks construction milestone

Map of CREATE rail projects in South Chicago

CHICAGO — CSX announced Tuesday (July 8, 2025) that the final girder has been placed for the Forest Hill Flyover, a landmark moment in the portion of the CREATE’s massive 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project that will separate CSX main lines in South Chicago from tracks used by Norfolk Southern, Metra, and the Belt Railway […]

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Galesburg, Ill., council approves lease for National Railroad Hall of Fame

Rectangular building with adjacent locomotive and passenger car.

GALESBURG, Ill. — The National Railroad Hall of Fame is one step closer to having an actual Hall. The Galesburg, Ill., city council on Monday approved an agreement for a 99-year lease on approximately 25,000 square feet of land in Colton Park, near the city’s Amtrak station, for construction of the Hall of Fame, a […]

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Burlington Junction Railway marks 40th anniversary

BJRYMK1500D

BURLINGTON, Iowa — Burlington Junction Railway welcomed more than 100 employees and family members to a recent event in Burlington to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the short line in 1985. The railroad began when Steve and JoEllen Hoth of Burlington began with a single locomotive, 3 miles of track, and three […]

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Trains.com Insider Interview | Jack Sommerfeld, Owner of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies

Listen in, as Trains.com draws knowledge and hobby insights from established retailer Jack Sommerfeld, owner/operator of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies in Butler, Wisconsin. Join staff writer Lucas Iverson as he chats with one of the top toy train dealers in the U.S., regarding the success and philosophy of his 40-year-old family-run business; his observations about […]

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An interview with Jack Sommerfeld of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies

Store front

If you ever find yourself in the Milwaukee area, you may want to take a quick drive north to Butler, Wis., and visit Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies. Don’t let its small size fool you — this brick-and-mortar store is a one-stop shop for a vast range of O gauge products. Owner Jack Sommerfeld, Chief Repair […]

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Mid-Continent announces details on July 12 return of No. 1385

Steam Chicago & North Western locomotives approaching brick station

NORTH FREEDOM, Wis. — The Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s rescheduled “homecoming” ceremony for its Chicago & North Western Ten-Wheeler, No. 1385, will be held Saturday, July 12, at 4:30 p.m. at the museum in North Freedom. The starting time for the public event has been moved forward from what had previously been reported [see “C&NW No. […]

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Spaces to Places VII | Roundhouse Interior Detail

Trains.com video series host and Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone sets his sights on the interior details of the previously assembled three-stall roundhouse he reworked for his latest HO scale (1:87.1) Bona Vista model railroad. From the inspection pit, to the interior flooring and wall, to the oil stains, to a full complement of racks […]

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