Atlas O Premier Fall 2025 catalog

orange and black model engine

The Atlas O Fall 2025 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include: New locomotives GP30 The locomotive includes Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, detachable snowplow, O-42 operation, and road-specific ditch lights. Available roadnames: BNSF; NKP; Indiana & Ohio; Norfolk & Western; Raritan Central. Available in 3-rail version only. Price: $729.95. New […]

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UP derailment in Missouri leads to Amtrak cancellations

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

KNOB NOSTER, Mo. — About 20 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed early today (Friday, Oct. 17) west of the town of Knob Noster, closing a major highway and leading to the cancellation of Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner. KMMO Radio reports the derailment occurred about 2 a.m. and led to a closure of a […]

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Illinois touts funding for passenger rail projects but obstacles remain: Analysis

Commuter train on steel bridge over river

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker disclosed earlier this month that his administration seeks to commit almost $1 billion of planned 2026-2031 infrastructure spending to several languishing passenger rail initiatives in the state, but translating proposals into tangible results continues to be a challenge. Hanging over all new construction endeavors is the need for Illinois […]

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Chemical manufacturers warn the White House about UP-NS merger

WASHINGTON — The CEOs of 40 chemical manufacturers warned President Donald Trump today that the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger will reduce rail competition, drive up rates, and make their companies less competitive in global markets. “You have committed to restoring American manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains, and outcompeting global rivals and we … fully […]

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UP and NS set date for shareholder vote on proposed transcontinental merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will hold Nov. 14 shareholder votes seeking investor approval of their proposed $85 billion transcontinental railroad merger. The railroads will each hold separate but simultaneous virtual shareholder meetings, with UP’s scheduled for 8 a.m. Central and NS’s scheduled for 9 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 14, the railroads said in proxy […]

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Bachmann HO GATX 4180 Airslide covered hopper

Color photo showing B end of HO scale Airslide covered hopper painted two-tone blue with blue, yellow, black, and white graphics on white background

Bachmann HO GATX 4180 Airslide covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59 Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries Inc., 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; shop.bachmanntrains.com Bachmann HO GATX 4180 Airslide covered hopper features: Based on 1967-1968 design Blackened, machined metal wheelsets with RP-25 contours Factory-installed air hoses and roof hatches Freestanding brake system casting with […]

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Union Pacific awards more than $4 million to nonprofit organizations

Freight train with two yellow locomotives passing under signal bridge

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has distributed more than $4 million in grants to 430 nonprofit organizations across its system as part of its Community Ties Giving Program, the railroad announced Monday (Oct. 13). Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000, and support what the railroad says are its giving priorities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, […]

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BLET members ratify new contract on Metra UP lines

Commuter train led by cab car passes intermodal train

CHICAGO — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen who operate on Metra’s Union Pacific lines have ratified a new contract, the BLET said on Friday (Oct. 10, 2025). The contract, which calls for a 3.5% wage increase, was ratified by a 60-1 vote. The pay increases will take effect no later than […]

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Sneaker reseller’s arrest tied to continuing surge in rail freight thefts

LOS ANGELES — Authorities have arrested Adeel Shams, founder of popular sneaker resale platform CoolKicks, after discovering more than $500,000 in stolen Nike goods during a raid at the company’s Santa Monica warehouse. Police said the merchandise — including 2,100 pairs of shoes and 150 cartons of apparel, some unreleased — had been stolen from an […]

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BLET claims Mexican train crews pose border security risk

Train on bridge approaching small building covering tracks

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is sounding the alarm bell about the potential for Mexican railroad crews to smuggle people and contraband into the United States. The warning comes as the union opposes Union Pacific’s efforts to use Ferromex crews to deliver northbound interchange trains to its yard in Eagle Pass, Texas, some […]

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BLET ratifies new five-year contract with Union Pacific

Freight train crossing diamond after crossing bridge

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified a new five-year contract with Union Pacific by a wide margin, the union announced today. The agreement, which includes raises totaling 18.8%, compounded, over the life of the contract, covers almost 6,000 BLET members at UP. It was ratified by a […]

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