Determining reasonable reach | David Popp shows you how to establish the most reasonable depth — distance from front edge to backdrop — for a model railroad. Along the way, he’ll share helpful measurements and practical insights for keeping your layout functional and fun to run! You can learn more about benchwork construction in the […]
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The strike by 1,500 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers will continue after members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 voted down the latest offer from the VTA board. Public broadcaster KQED reports that in voting today (Monday, March 24) more than 80% rejected the updated offer including 11% in pay […]
ST. LOUIS — Intramotev, the startup company that converts conventional freight cars to battery-electric, self-propelled vehicles, has named rail industry veteran Harry Zander as its chief commercial officer. Zander brings more than 30 years of experience to Intramotev. Most recently, he served as chief revenue officer at shortline railroad holding company Patriot Rail. Zander previously […]
BOSTON — Massachusetts’ South Coast Rail commuter operation is now officially in service. The 37-mile addition to the MBTA commuter rail network launched today (March 24, 2025), with the Fall River Herald News reporting that well over 100 people were on hand to catch the first train, a scheduled 4:27 a.m. departure from New Bedford. […]
OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government has added to its financial commitment to the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill, Manitoba, increasing its funding to Ca$175 million over the next five years. The funding announced Friday, March 21, will provide $125 million for operation and maintenance of the 627-mile railway, with a main […]
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The union representing striking Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers called off a scheduled contract vote on Saturday, as the VTA board called a special meeting today (Sunday, March 23) to consider its next steps. KRON-TV reports that a spokesman for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 said the vote was postponed […]
MONTREAL — The Canadian government has announced more than Ca$1.1 billion in additional funding for Quebec City’s light rail project and extension of Montreal’s subway Blue Line. The funding, announced Saturday, March 22, includes Ca$332.3 million for the Quebec City Tramway and more than Ca$650 million for the Metro Blue Line, as well as Ca$202.8 […]
Time and travel provide the topics for the latest edition of News Wire recommended reading, articles we consider worth calling to your attention: — Australia’s Financial Review features a collection of antique railway clocks kept in a secure location beneath Sydney’s Central Station, and the uncertain plans for the valuable timepieces. The clocks, made for […]
CARSON CITY, Nev. — A bill seeking a study of possible rail transit systems for the Las Vegas and Reno areas has advanced out of a Nevada legislative committee. Assembly Bill 256 would create a Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group to conduct a study of rail transit in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas […]
WATSONVILLE, Calif. — The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has approved pursuing intercity rail service between Santa Cruz and Pajaro, Calif., rather than a light-rail alternative, while asking its staff to find an alternative to bridge repairs or replacement on that route that could cost almost $1 billion. The news site Santa Cruz Local […]
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Brightline West is in the middle of finalizing $6 billion of bank loans and contracts with construction companies for its $12 billion, 218-mile Las Vegas-Southern California high speed rail venture after selling more than $2.5 billion in private activity bonds, according to Tracy Larkin-Thomason, Director of Nevada’s Department of Transportation. The […]
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Regional Transit has announced plans for a 35% cut in service and a 25-cent fare increase to take effect in February 2026 to address a projected $100 million budget deficit. According to the plans released March 20, light rail cuts would include the elimination of the Silver Line, ending service to 12 […]
