STB again extends mediation for Union Pacific, Metra

Commuter train passing freight train

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has again extended the mediation process for Union Pacific and Metra as they try to work out the details of the transfer of Metra operation on three UP-owned routes. The board granted UP’s request — agreed to by Metra — to extend the mediation period through Jan. 31, 2025. […]

Read More…

New company uses cameras to inform public of blocked railroad crossings

Intermodal train with black locomotives

ELKHART, Ind. — Newly installed cameras that automatically feed real-time information to a website are helping first responders and the general public know when trains are occupying grade crossings near the northern Indiana town of Goshen, Ind., near Elkhart. BlockedCrossings, a private company, recently installed eight cameras at intersections in and south of Goshen, Ind., […]

Read More…

Kansas officials say extension of Heartland Flyer could cost up to $573 million in infrastructure work

Time-exposure photo of passenger train blurred as it passes station building at night

TOPEKA, Kan. — It could cost as much as $573 million for infrastructure work to accommodate an extension of Heartland Flyer service to connect with the Southwest Chief in Newton, Kan., Kansas Department of Transportation officials said today (Dec. 11). A northward extension of the Oklahoma City-Fort Worth, Texas, train was among 69 possible routes […]

Read More…

Rocky and Suzanne McAlister’s S gauge layout

A toy train layout track plan

Name: Rocky and Suzanne McAlister’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 10½ x 14½-footTrack: GarGraves, Gilbert American Flyer (maximum diameter 42 inches)Switches: Gilbert American FlyerMotive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper ServiceRolling stock: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, MTH Electric Trains, S-Helper ServiceControls: Gilbert American Flyer, Model Rectifier Corp. transformersAccessories: Gilbert […]

Read More…

The Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad Display in O gauge

Name: Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad DisplayGauge: ODimensions: 20 x 27 feetTrack: GarGraves (maximum diameter is 84 inches)Turnouts: Ross Custom Switches Motive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd RailControls: Lionel CW-80 transformers (13)Accessories: Coaster Dynamics, Department 56, LionelStructures: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuiltVehicles: Eligor, Ertl, Matchbox, SolidoFigures: Arttista, Preiser, Woodland Scenics […]

Read More…

The Youngstown Model Railroad Association layout in HO scale

A model railroad track plan

Facts and features Name: Youngstown Model Railroad AssociationScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 24 x 47 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: northeast OhioEra: 1950 to presentMainline run: 200 feet (double-track outer main), 125 feet (single-track inner main)Minimum radius: 30″ (main), 22″ (industrial areas)Minimum turnout: No. 8 (main), No. 6 (yards), No. 4 (industrial park/steel mill)Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 43″ to 60″Roadbed: […]

Read More…

Business car group seeks to save former N&W sleeping car

Maroon and black passenger car

CHESTERTON, Ind. — The group that has preserved a former Norfolk & Western business car is now seeking to save and restore former N&W sleeping car Hollins College. The N&W Business Car 300 Preservation Society says it is working with Norfolk Southern, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, and the Morristown & Erie Railway to preserve […]

Read More…

Nigerian commuter operation using orphaned Wisconsin equipment is halted

Parked Talgo trainset

LAGOS, Nigeria — The commuter rail service in Lagos using Talgo trainsets built for but never used by the state of Wisconsin has been suspended indefinitely because of mechanical issues, the Nigerian newspaper The Nation reports. The trains experienced breakdowns last Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 2-3, the newspaper reports, after which the operator posted a […]

Read More…

Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Tour of Firecrown Wisconsin Office

Tour of Firecrown Wisconsin Office | Trains.com Director David Popp leads this quick, walk-and-talk tour of the new office space hosting all of your favorite railroad and modeling magazines, including Model Railroader, Trains, Classic Trains, Classic Toy Trains, FineScale Modeler, and Astronomy too! Enjoy this first look at the work areas, library, studios, and other […]

Read More…