CSX-served transformer plant launches $200 million expansion

People in hard hats throwing shovels of dirt during groundbreaking ceremony

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — HD Hyundai Power Transformers USA, a CSX-served facility in Montgomery, on March 6 held groundbreaking for a $200 million plant expansion expected to be completed in mid-2027 and support 600 jobs. The expansion will allow HD-HPT to manufacture larger electrical transformers and increases the company’s total investment in Montgomery to $277 million […]

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Canadian union wins ruling requiring CN to reopen shop facilities, hire workers

Aerial view of shop complex

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — An arbitrator has ordered Canadian National to reinvest in its Transcona Wheel Shop, return work to in-house, and compensate affected workers, the Unifor union said today. The ruling stems from CN’s closure of the wheel shop, traction motor shop, and air brake shop at the yard in Winnipeg during the COVID-19 pandemic […]

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Hudson Tunnel work has resumed, but Gateway commission warns another stoppage is possible

Barges in river with Manhattan skylline as backdrop

NEW YORK — Work has resumed at all Hudson Tunnel Project sites, the Gateway Development Commission said today, but another halt could come in two to three months if the disbursement of federal funds does not continue. Additionally, two major contracts that were supposed to be awarded late in 2025 or early this year remain […]

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Charlotte council approves $37.9 million to advance commuter rail project

Map of rail line between Charlotte and Mount Mourne, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council on Monday approved spending $37.9 million for the next stage of the Red Line commuter rail project, which will serve communities north of the city. The unanimous vote will pay for work by HDR Engineering to bring the project design to the 30% stage and prepare the project’s […]

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MTH RailKing Galloping Goose railbus

green model railbus

The “Galloping Goose” railbuses were built by the Rio Grande Southern in the 1930s as a cheaper way to haul mail, passengers, and lighter freight. They used automobile or truck engines with freight containers, and ran on narrow-gauge track. The Goose was not only less expensive to operate but also much lighter, so less wear […]

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Opinion: Rail customers must make their voices heard

Trains Turntable: Commentary from CPKC CEO Keith Creel Over the last several months, the Class I railroads not named Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern have been accused of opposing the largest, most unnecessary proposed rail merger ever attempted because those railroads are afraid to compete or are selfishly afraid it will hurt their business. Those […]

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Progress Rail to convert 96 Norfolk Southern SD70Ms to AC-traction SD70ICCs

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern will continue to modernize its locomotive fleet in a deal announced on Monday with Progress Rail, which will convert 96 of the railroad’s SD70M-2 models to AC-traction SD70ICCs. Deliveries of the Tier 2 locomotives will start in 2027 and run through 2029. “By modernizing existing units, Norfolk Southern is taking a […]

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News & Products for the week of March 9th 2026

A navy blue and gold model locomotive

News & Products for the week of March 9th 2026   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 March 9th […]

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Ridgewood Infrastructure acquires Sierra Railroad Co.

Blue, white, and gold locomotive with American flag design on long hood

NEW YORK — Investment firm Ridgewood Infrastructure has acquired a controlling interest in Sierra Railroad Co., the California company including short line Sierra Northern Railway and locomotive builder RailPower. At the same time, with Ridgewood’s investment, Sierra is acquiring Central Valley Ag Transport, an agricultural transload facility owner and operator serving customers along Sierra’s rail […]

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Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad

Gray and red diesel locomotive pulling a silver and red passenger car. Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad.

LOUISA, Va. — The Washington, D.C., Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society has announced a rare-milage excursion over 50 miles of the Buckingham Branch Railway — former Chesapeake & Ohio territory — on Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Doswell Special will begin in Louisa and travel the railroad between […]

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Restoring the last Ocean Shore Railroad coach

People inside of restored train car.

PACIFICA, Cal. — Following more than 20 years of work, the restoration of Ocean Shore Railroad No. 1409 is finally coming together. At a recent fundraising event, the Pacifica Historical Society, which is responsible for restoring the historic 120-year-old coach, told local residents and stakeholders that work has “come a long way.” No. 1409 is […]

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Front Range Passenger Rail launches ‘name the train’ contest

Updated logo (as of 2024) for Front Range Passenger Rail

DENVER — Colorado residents can now vote to name the train for the Fort Collins-Pueblo rail passenger service planned by the Front Range Passenger Rail District. Name-the-train voting will be held through March 23 at this page of the Front Range Passenger Rail website, and can choose from four finalists selected by the district: Colorado […]

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