Creative track plans for every skill level

A track plan for a model railroad layout

Are you searching for inspiration for your next model railroad project? Whether you’re just starting out, have some experience, or are an advanced modeler, we’ve gathered a collection of creative track plans for every skill level to get your creative juices flowing. Based on designs from our staff and fellow model railroad enthusiasts, these plans […]

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Jaguar Transport aims to buy two Washington State short lines

Map of railroad in central Washington state

WASHINGTON — Jaguar Transport Holdings, which owns or controls 11 other short lines, is seeking to buy two railroads in Washington state, the company said this week in filings with the Surface Transportation Board. The transaction would include the Columbia Basin Railroad (reporting marks CBRW) and the Central Washington Railroad (reporting marks CWAR). The Columbia […]

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J.B. Hunt intermodal volume surges in East

White intermodal containers and truck trailers on train

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt yesterday reported lower second-quarter intermodal profits despite higher volume and revenue. Operating income declined 4%, to $95.7 million, as revenue increased 2%, to $1.44 billion. Gross revenue per load decreased 3% due to changes in mix of freight, fuel surcharge revenue, and lower rates. As the largest domestic intermodal provider, […]

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Long Beach, Calif., container terminal begins major expansion

Aerial-view illustration of container terminal at Port of Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Container terminal operator International Transportation Service has announced the start of a $365 million project expansion of its terminal at the Port of Long Beach that will increase capacity up to 50% and accommodate some of the world’s largest container ships. The South Slip Fill Project, to be completed by 2028, […]

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NTSB issues final report on 2024 injury to Norfolk Southern conductor in Norfolk, Va.

Aerial view of railyard used to illustrate workplace accident

WASHINGTON — A Norfolk Southern conductor suffered serious injuries in an accident in Norfolk, Va., when did not confirm that rolling stock was stationary before working in the path of a free-rolling car — and NS operating rules did not explicitly address the need to do so, the National Transportation Safety Board said in determining […]

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BNSF launches expedited intermodal service linking Los Angeles with Houston

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway has launched expedited intermodal service from Los Angeles to Houston on a schedule that shaves two days from previous transit times. “By continuing to create more opportunities to convert over-the-road freight to rail, we provide a cost-effective, direct solution to bring freight to the dynamic and growing Houston area,” […]

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MTA subways, commuter rail lines shows gains in ridership, performance

Electric multiple-unit trainset rounds curve

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is in position to set records for ridership and on-time performance in 2025, based on figures announced Monday (July 14) for the first six months. New York City Transit subways and Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road have all recorded post-pandemic ridership highs, according to a press release […]

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Justice Department and Norfolk Southern near settlement deal in Amtrak Crescent case

Amtrak train at station

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department and Norfolk Southern have reached a settlement in principle regarding the railroad’s handling of Amtrak’s Crescent. Government lawyers disclosed the agreement in a court filing last week, which requested additional time to finalize the settlement. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson approved the parties’ request for a 60-day extension. […]

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Cybersecurity agency issues warning about end-of-train device vulnerability

An orange end of train device is seen atop the rear coupler of a passing train

WASHINGTON — The federal cybersecurity agency issued an advisory last week regarding a vulnerability in end-of-train devices that could allow an attacker to gain control of a train’s air brake system. “Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to send their own brake control commands to the end-of-train device, causing a sudden stoppage […]

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Brightline seeks private activity bonds for Tampa extension: Analysis

Commuter train at station

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline has petitioned the Florida Development Finance Corp., seeking to have the state agency issue up to $400 million of private activity bond funding to advance design and planning for its long-sought extension to Tampa, as well as improvements to existing routes. The request for more debt financing comes as the company […]

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SMART-TD considers strike against CPKC

Train with red, yellow, and black locomotives at grade crossing

The union representing Canadian Pacific Kansas City conductors is polling members on a possible strike, claiming the railroad took advantage of a service crisis to make workplace job changes on the former Kansas City Southern. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Local 457’s General Committee of Adjustment is […]

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News Wire recommended reading: Inside the Ames Monument

Stone pyramid-like building under threatening skies

Our wide-ranging latest installment of News Wire Recommended Reading includes articles on a Wyoming landmark; a massive space under San Francisco built for currently nonexistent train service;, and how things went wrong for a deal to involve German’s Deutsche Bahn to remake Toronto’s GO Transit commuter rail operations. — You may be familiar with the […]

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