Operator of Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ train loses in court over safety requirements

Steam train on curved viaduct with large number of people taking photos in foreground

LONDON — The operator of the seasonal steam excursion known as the “Harry Potter train” has lost a court bid to block actions by British regulators, leaving in doubt the future of its operation of the celebrated train in the Scottish Highlands. West Coast Railways operates the train officially known as The Jacobite, which appears […]

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News Wire Year in Review: The year in preservation

Rendering of planned museum visitor center

Add it up — a million here, a million there — and soon you’ve got some serious money. Looking back on 2023 in railroad preservation, the large sums secured for new museum facilities adds up to be the biggest story. The tally sheet shows the State of Nevada budgeted $23 million for a new visitors’ […]

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Festive Train Rides at Valley Railroad, Essex, Connecticut

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in Essex, Connecticut. Join the festive North Pole Express at Valley Railroad, where the magic of Christmas comes alive. With sold-out trains and staggering demand, this seasonal tradition has become a vital part of the community, attracting thousands eager to share in the joy. […]

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East Broad Top will not hold Winter Spectacular; Friends group announces new guidebook

Steam loomotive under impressive plume of smoke

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The EBT Foundation, Inc. announced Monday, Dec. 11, that due to scheduling and maintenance demands for its lone operating steam locomotive, the East Broad Top Railroad will not hold its highly popular annual Winter Spectacular railfan event for 2024. “The locomotive’s annual inspection falls during the period we have historically held […]

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Scotland’s famed ‘Harry Potter’ steam train faces regulatory threat

Steam-powered passenger train in UK on curved trestle

LONDON — A safety dispute between British rail regulators and the operator of summer steam trains through the West Highlands of Scotland threatens to prevent the trains — now internationally famous — from running next year. The trains in question gained their fame as the “Harry Potter Train,” as the route – and especially the curved […]

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Explore Nevada Northern Railway’s rich heritage

Explore Ely, Nevada, and experience the rich history of the Nevada Northern Railway, one of the best-preserved tourist railroads in the United States. Originally built for copper ore transport, this 140-mile railway, now operating under the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, showcases various steam locomotives. With ongoing restoration projects and a recent $10 million grant, […]

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Cass support group Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association to end operations

Cover of historical society magazine

CASS, W.Va. — The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association, founded in 1982, which played a key role in support of the Cass Scenic Railroad, will conclude operations, its president has announced. Association president Matt Wilson informed members in a Nov. 24 letter that the organization will become part another group, Friends of Cass […]

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12 train sets for the holidays

Color photo of HO scale train set box with painted box art and display windows for models.

If you’ve read Model Railroader magazine for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed the hobby journey for many of our authors started with a train set. For baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, the set was often produced by Lionel or American Flyer. Fast forward a generation or two, and those sets were […]

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SMS Rail Lines 0-6-0 returns to steam, certified for operation (updated)

Steam locomotive operates with diesel switcher attached

WOODSTOWN, N.J. — SMS Rail Lines Alco 0-6-0 locomotive No. 9 has been certified for operation by the Federal Railroad Administration after a 14-year restoration at the SMS shops in Bridgeport, N.J. The locomotive was built for the U.S. Army in 1942, working first at Fort Dix, N.J., and at Fort Eustis, Va., as No. […]

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First Tier 4 locomotive enters service for Napa Valley Wine Train

Maroon, gold, and green locomotives in golden-hour lighting

NAPA, Calif. – The Napa Valley Wine Train has placed the first of two Tier 4 compliant switcher units into service as the tourist railroad’s new regular motive power. Napa Valley Railroad NZE15B No. 1864 arrived on Oct. 30, 2023. The 1,560-hp unit was rebuilt by Knoxville Locomotive Works from a National Railway Equipment Co. […]

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Fall journey along the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad

Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in Chama, New Mexico, as you embark on a train journey through stunning mountain peaks of the Western U.S. Ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, covering 14 miles from Chama to the summit at Cumbres Pass. Ascend over 2000 feet on a 4% grade, accompanied by a captivating […]

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Cumbres & Toltec buys White Pass & Yukon diesel

Green and yellow widecab diesel

CHAMA, N.M. — The bi-state agency overseeing the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has agreed to purchase a diesel locomotive from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a first for the classic line preserving the former Denver & Rio Grande Western line between Chama and Antonito, Colo. The commission agreed to the purchase of […]

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