Ticket sales begin for Winter Park Express; service starts Dec. 19

Passenger train in snow with people waiting to board

DENVER — Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train will return for the 2025-26 season on Dec. 19, albeit with slightly fewer days than were offered when operations were expanded a year ago. The train will operate total of 57 days this season, and will run four days a week — Thursdays through Sundays — beginning […]

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Sunset Models | 3rd Rail GE P42 & Siemens Charger O scale locomotives unboxed

Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson and Classic Toy Trains’ Editor Rene Schweitzer unbox an all-new, precise O scale (1:48, 2-rail & 3-rail options) Siemens Charger and a GE P42DC locomotives from Sunset Models | 3rd Rail, manufacturers now aligned under Third & Townsend! Plus, you’ll also see a bonus unboxing of a unique, O gauge […]

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Sunset Models | 3rd Rail GE P42 & Siemens Charger O scale locomotives unboxed

Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson and Classic Toy Trains’ Editor Rene Schweitzer unbox an all-new, precise O scale (1;48, 2-rail & 3-rail options) Siemens Charger and a GE P42DC locomotives from Sunset Models | 3rd Rail, manufacturers now aligned under Third & Townsend! Plus, you’ll also see a bonus unboxing of a unique, O gauge […]

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Chicago transit agencies scrap planned fare increases in wake of funding bill

Commuter train with cab car leading arrives at station

CHICAGO — The Regional Transportation Authority is scrapping plans for fare increases by Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, and bus operator Pace in the wake of passage of Illinois legislation providing new funding for the transit operations. Given budget deficits and uncertainty over state funding, the RTA had required all three operating agencies to include […]

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SEPTA faces new federal order on trolley safety

White trolley car going uphill on street

WASHINGTON — Adding to the ongoing issues of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the Federal Transit Administration has issued an emergency order requiring inspection of the catenary system of SEPTA’s 40-mile trolley network by this Friday, FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro said at a news conference today (Nov. 4, 2025). The press conference by Transportation Secretary […]

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NTSB releases preliminary report on SEPTA trolley incident

Image of interior of trolley car damaged when portions of pantograph penetrated roof.

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board will look at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s catenary inspection and maintenance process as part of its ongoing investigation into a Sept. 25, 2025, incident in which a pantograph separated from a SEPTA trolley, injuring the operator and three passengers. The NTSB released its preliminary report into the […]

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Amtrak San Joaquins renamed as Gold Runner

Passenger train stopped at station with bus waiting across platform

STOCKTON, Calif. — The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority has made official its rebrand of Amtrak’s San Joaquins as Gold Runner trains. The move came on Monday, Nov. 3, and was effective immediately. Trains.com had previously reported plans for the move as part of a report on other changes for San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor […]

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Keolis, IBEW reach tentative contract agreement

Elevated view of commuter train at large station

BOSTON — Keolis Commuter Services, the contract operator of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter trains, has reached a tentative contract agreement with electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the parties announced late last week. Keolis has now reached agreements with all 14 unions involved in MBTA commuter rail, who represent more than […]

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News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025   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 November 3rd, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 28 | Weathering effects for railroad bridges

Time to distress some steel! Follow along as David demonstrate two essential bridge weathering techniques on the HO scale (1:87.1) ETIP project layout, from heavy all-over rust using Monroe Models washes to creating the effect of faded, blistered paint with Vallejo Paints. Get the pro tips on permanent installation and finish details along the authentic […]

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NTSB issues final report on UP conductor fatality in Kenosha, Wis.

Diagram of scene of fatal accident involving Union Pacific conductor and Metra train in Kenosha, Wis.

WASHINGTON — The conductor of a Union Pacific train was standing in a track adjacent to his train for an unknown reason when he was struck and killed by a Metra train, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its final investigation report on the Sept. 4, 2024, accident in Kenosha, Wis. The incident occurred […]

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