WASHINGTON — Amtrak is considering the use of semi-permanent coupling in its next generation of long-distance trainsets, and as a result will seek regulatory approval to address accessibility requirements through accommodations throughout those trainsets, rather than in individual cars. That proposal is included in a website the passenger operator has launched as it seeks public […]
I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour we’ve taken of Amtrak’s short consists throughout the railroad’s history. Starting with the modern era, we then went back in time to the 1970s, then the 80s and 90s. This month, we’re looking at my favorite era of short Amtrak consists. Is it because that’s when I grew up? […]
When livestock was shipped by train, the railroads provided free transportation for the “drovers” who accompanied the shipments. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy drovers car 5760 was rebuilt in 1948 from a heavyweight 12-section, one-drawing room sleeper. It’s shown here in 1958. Hol Wagner collection […]
NORTH JUDSON, Ind. — The Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society has donated Monon business car No. 2, also known as the Lynne, and Monon wide-vision caboose No. 81532 to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, the two organizations have announced. Plans call for operating the business car in excursion service as an upscale experience, with a portion […]
A newly tooled Gunderson 6,276-cubic-foot capacity 50-foot hi-cube boxcar is the latest release from Aurora Miniatures North America. The HO scale model, offered in six road names, features injection-molded plastic construction, prototype-specific trucks, and many freestanding details. The prototype The 6276 50-foot hi-cube boxcar has been a part of the Gunderson (Greenbrier) product lineup since […]
The 2400-series Lionel passenger cars have always been popular with operators and collectors. In the postwar era the plastic streamliners have been run in green with yellow trim, yellow with red trim, and silver with black trim and gray roofs. Q: I bought a great set of 2400-series Lionel passenger cars. They look fine and […]
OTTAWA — Reopening of Ottawa’s light rail Confederation Line has been pushed back yet again, with Aug. 14 as the new date for the resumption of service. But the Ottawa Citizen reports that Renée Amilcar, the city’s transit services general manager, stressed that is an early estimate and subject to change, saying, “We continue to […]
The Rio Grande placed a string of hopper cars filled with dirt on the inside of Big Ten Curve above Denver on the Front Range of the Rockies to act as a windbreak. Until the cars were installed in 1971, strong winds off the mountains blew several trains off the track here. Ray Kenley photo […]
Ukrainian Railways (UZ or Ukrzaliznytsia) and rail operators in neighboring European countries are stepping up efforts to move thousands of tons of grain from Ukraine to ports in Poland, Romania, and Germany for export around the world. The increase in rail transport has followed Russia’s decision to end a deal, previously brokered by the United […]
OTTAWA, Ontario — Return of Ottawa’s light-rail Confederation Line has been pushed back at least 10 days to allow for additional track work, city officials were informed on Friday. Aug. 10 is now the earliest the system could resume operation. CTV News reports Renée Amicar, the city’s general manager of transit services, told the city […]
SAN JOSE — Caltrain will hold the first public tour of its new Stadler electric trainsets this Saturday, July 29, at the San Jose Diridon Station. The event is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Caltrain reports on its website that as of Thursday, it had received approximately 3,600 RSVPs from those planning to […]
WASHINGTON — Track conditions led to the fatal derailment of Amtrak’s Empire Builder in Joplin, Mont., in September 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its final accident report released today (July 27) Three passengers were killed and 49 other people were injured in the derailment of the westbound train on BNSF’s Hi Line […]
