Five train layouts you can visit this summer

Large model train layout with full-scale red caboose in the background

Planning your travel for this summer? Be sure to include some model trains in those plans! These five train layouts throughout the country (and world) are all worth a visit this summer. Colorado Model Railroad Museum Featuring more than 500 HO scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of track, and tens of thousands of handmade trees, […]

Read More…

Crew member injured as CPKC train derails in Iowa (additional update)

Locomotives from Saturday's derailment near Midway Beach, Iowa, have been uprighted in this view of cleanup efforts on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Cate Kratville-Wrinn

MIDWAY BEACH, Iowa — One crew member was reported airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries after the derailment of a CPKC train that reportedly ran away on a spur line on Saturday, June 29, near Montpelier, Iowa. The incident occurred about 7 p.m. near Midway Beach in Muscatine County, Chris Jasper, Muscatine County Director […]

Read More…

Evacuation order lifted after CN train derails at Matteson, Ill. (updated)

Aerial view of derailment at junction

MATTESON, Ill. — Authorities ordered an evacuation, then lited it about two hours later after a Canadian National train derailed at the railroad’s busy junction of former Illinois Central and Elgin & Joliet Eastern lines today (June 27) in Matteson, about 25 miles south of downtown Chicago. WGN-TV reports there was a small leak of […]

Read More…

A Milwaukee Road 4-6-4 welcomed you to Kalmbach

Steam locomotive wheel on wall-sized mural

If you’re reading this, you’re undoubtedly aware of what’s been going on with Kalmbach Media, and how it has sold most of its magazine titles, including Trains and Classic Trains, to Chattanooga-based Firecrown Media. Concurrently, Kalmbach has decided to liquidate over the next couple of months, bringing an end to approximately 90 years of continuous […]

Read More…

Iowa railroad museum shut down by flood damage

Two steam locomotives in roundhouse are surrounded by flood waters.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Big Sioux River, which took down a BNSF Railway bridge on Sunday night, has now shut down an Iowa railroad museum. The Sioux City Railroad Museum will be closed until further notice because of flooding, the museum announced on its Facebook page, posting multiple photos of standing water in its […]

Read More…

NTSB sets schedule for public meeting, community sessions in East Palestine

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board has detailed its plans for next week’s return to East Palestine, Ohio, for community meetings and a public meeting to approve its final report on last year’s Norfolk Southern derailment and toxic-chemical release. The board will hold community meetings June 24 and June 25 at East Palestine High […]

Read More…

Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225 debuts for 2024 season (updated)

Pan shot of steam locomotive across a field

OWOSSO, Mich. — The 2024 debut of Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225 in June offered multiple firsts for the 2-8-4 and its owner, the Steam Railroading Institute (SRI). Ultimately, it was the first time since 2019 that the Berkshire-type operated for the public outside of its regular holiday-season North Pole Express schedule. But for […]

Read More…

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad adds two Alco diesels

Dark green diesel cab unit with yellow stripe and red trim

PENINSULA, Ohio — The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad announced it has acquired an Alco FPA4 and an FPB4 from the Grand Canyon Railway, and aims to purchase one more of each unit from the Grand Canyon. The two diesels will join three FPA4 units already on the Cuyahoga Valley roster and are part of what […]

Read More…

‘Tri-State Scenic’ excursion hosts a Nickel-Plated team up

Diesel locomotive passes by vintage car and depot

EDON, Ohio — In its third year with the Indiana Rail Experience, the 2024 Tri-State Scenic steam excursion had new wrinkles for its Father’s Day weekend treks along the Indiana Northeastern Railroad between Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. What hasn’t changed was steam locomotive No. 765 as the star for the all-day trips out of Edon. […]

Read More…

Construction of oil firing system begins for Reading No. 2100

Interior of steam locomotive under restoration

CLEVELAND — Construction of the oil firing system is the latest step in restoration work of Reading Co. T1 4-8-4 No. 2100, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association reports. “With the funding received this spring, work is well underway in regard to the construction of the oil pan,” Forrest Nace, the non-profit organization’s treasurer and […]

Read More…