News photo: Massive locomotive move on CSX

Train with large number of locomotives on front end

Sixteen locomotives bound for Ohio locomotive leasing and resale company LTEX Rail (Larry’s Truck Electric) swelled the power on CSX train M576-20 to 19 locomotives on Saturday, Oct. 21, as it traveled from Nashville, Tenn., to Cincinnati. Photographer Jeff Wagoner reports the consist included CSX ES44AH No. 3161 and ET44AH No. 3261, followed by units […]

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Kentucky Steam’s SD40-2 diesel repainted in Norfolk & Western scheme

Repainted diesel locomotive at dusk.

IRVIN, Ky. — The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. unveiled its repainted SD40-2 diesel locomotive, which has been returned to its as-delivered Norfolk & Western all-black color scheme. The project was a collaboration of multiple individuals and parties, led by former Norfolk Southern corporate photographer Casey Thomason. “It’s a cool pet project that I brought to […]

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News photos: Regional Rail’s Carolina Coastal introduces new heritage-based paint scheme

Red road-switcher with yellow and black trim

WILSON, N.C. —  Carolina Coastal Railway, which operates 179 miles of tracks in eastern North Carolina once belonging to Seaboard Coast Line and the original (pre-1982) Norfolk Southern Railway, is receiving two former Union Pacific/Missouri Pacific GP15-1s wearing a red scheme inspired by that carried by Norfolk Southern Baldwin road-switchers in the 1950s and 1960s. […]

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CSX announces sick-time agreement with Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

CSX logo

JACKSONVILLE — The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen has ratified a paid sick leave agreement with CSX Corp. covering former Seaboard Coast Line properties, CSX announced today (Oct. 19, 2023). The agreement covers close to 400 employees. “We value the hard work and dedication of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and all our employees who keep […]

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Charlotte commuter rail proposal revived by Norfolk Southern willingness to discuss deal

Portion of map showing proposed Charlotte-area commuter rail line

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Norfolk Southern has revived hopes for a long-stalled commuter rail line between Charlotte and communities in the Lake Norman area by indicating its willingness to “consider … a possible transaction” over the NS line that would be a necessary part of the route north of the city — a change from the […]

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Pricing hints at early patterns of Brightline ticket demand: Analysis

Yellow and white locomotive leading train through grade crossing

MIAMI — After more than a week with Brightline offering 15 round trips between Miami and Orlando, certain runs show fares are creeping up to sellout levels, while bargains are still available for travelers who book in advance. A Trains News Wire analysis of available fares since Saturday, Oct. 7, shows that wide variations continue […]

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Florida railroads adopt Seaboard Coast Line-inspired paint scheme

Black and yellow locomotive

APOPKA, Fla. — Regional Rail LLC’s Florida Central Railroad soon will receive two rebuilt EMD GP15-1s dressed in a black-with-yellow-stripes image reminiscent of the Seaboard Coast Line. Regional Rail, established in 2007 and based in Kennett Square, Pa., now has 13 operations throughout the eastern United States and in Saskatchewan, Canada. As a growing short […]

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Brightline introduces new All-Station Shared Pass, revamps South Florida passes

Yellow and white streamlined locomotive at station

ORLANDO — Brightline has introduced a new All-Station Shared Pass for frequent travelers between Orlando and South Florida, offering consistent fares over a 90-day period. The pass is good between Orlando and any of the five South Florida stations — West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami — and is good for […]

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CPKC announces schedules for Holiday Train, Holiday Express

Train decorated with Christmas lights stopped near station at night

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Kansas City has announced the schedule and lineup for the 25th annual Holiday Train begun by Canadian Pacific, which this year will expand its route to visit a number of communities on the former Kansas City Southern. Meanwhile, the Holiday Express train formerly operated by KCS will also visit 20 locations […]

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Stadler hydrogen trainset makes debut in Florida

Front view of blue and white passenger train equipment

ORLANDO, Fla. — Stadler’s FLIRT H2 trainset, the hydrogen-powered commuter-rail equipment set to debut next year in Southern California, has made its first U.S. debut this week at the APTA Expo in Orlando, the American Public Transportation Association’s annual conference. The train will eventually join three Stadler FLIRT diesel multiple-unit trainsets on the San Bernardino […]

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Florida officials approve development district to support ‘Sunshine Corridor’ rail project

Locomotive with two bilevel passenger cars rounding curve

ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials in Orange County, Fla., have approved creation of a new special taxation district to help fund development of the “Sunshine Corridor” rail connection to allow Brightline and commuter rail service SunRail reach the Orange County Convention Center and nearby attractions. WKMG-TV reports county commissioners unanimously approved creation of the Shingle Creek […]

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Plasser American opens new manufacturing facility

Eight people posed for ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of factory door.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was among the dignitaries taking part in the recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies marking completion of Plasser American’s new 82,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Also on hand for opening of the facility, allowing Plasser to more efficiently manufacture its maintenance and other railway machinery at the site that has been its home […]

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