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All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm

COWCATCHER MAGAZINE

Metra is charging into a greener future with order for Stadler battery-powered trainsets

February 27, 2024

News, Passenger Rail

Chicago’s Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority last week approved a contract to buy zero-emission, battery-powered train sets. Metra will be among the first in the nation to operate this innovative technology. Metra’s Board of Directors approved the contract with Salt Lake City-based …

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U.S. railroads get needed relief with reopening of key international crossings, boost in combined rail traffic

UPDATED Jan. 11, 2024 – December brought needed relief to the U.S. railroad industry with the reopening of two key international border crossings and a surge in combined rail traffic to fuel a fourth-quarter rally. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced just before Christmas …

January 2, 2024 / Updated January 11, 2024

Surface Transportation Board takes next step toward adopting latest proposed reciprocal switching rule

By TIM BLACKWELL/Cowcatcher Magazine The Surface Transportation Board has begun weighing comments from shippers and railroads regarding a proposed rule that would give rail customers access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor service. STB unanimously voted in September on The Notice of Proposed …

November 9, 2023

Stadler unveils first hydrogen passenger train bound for San Bernardino County Transit Authority at APTA EXPO

Stadler presented its first hydrogen passenger train that will deliver to the San Bernardino County Transit Authority for the first time in the U.S. at APTA EXPO in Orlando earlier this month. The Swiss railcar maker followed by announcing an agreement for four hydrogen-powered trains, …

October 23, 2023

Current Issue: March/April 2024

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NEW CHAPTER

On Jan. 1, 2024, BNSF Railway took over operations on the storied Montana Rail Link after a lease agreement between the railroads dating to the late 1980s was cut short. BNSF says operating as one railroad will bring benefits to customers and opportunities for freight growth in the region through enhanced capacity and stronger service. In some respects, the company views MRL's integration as a reunion.

NEW PRODUCTS HIGHLIGHT AMHERST

Model manufacturers debuted new products before record attendance at the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show in January. Micro-Trains announced new offerings in HO scale, a first for the company that specializes in N and Z trains. 

DEAL RAIL IS ALIVE

Smaller components and Bluetooth technology are making battery operation for HO scale more plausible. See how the Texas-based CLRR has gone from DCC to deal rail.

PLUS

KR Models' long-awaited skeletal logging cars arrive and make a nice impression. Also, a strong fourth-quarter finish lifts spirits for Class I railroad executives, who believe the momentum will carry over into this year. And the Denver & Rio Grande Western's Royal Gorge traversed mountains, traveled along rivers and glided through tunnels from Salt Lake City to Denver.

Correction

The date for the First Annual Spring Train Show is March 30 at the American Legion Hall Post 16, 2031 Ronald Reagan Highway, in Covington, LA. The show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a diorama contest and operating train layouts. Attendees can peruse about two dozen tables for model- and railroad-related items for sale. Admission is $5 per person.

2024 State of Model Railroading

Since 2019, Cowcatcher Magazine has been taking the pulse of the model railroad industry with its annual survey, and this year is no exception. Readers decide what's good and not so good about the hobby, and we present the results in the 2024 State of Model Railroading survey in the January/February 2024 issue. Make your vote count! Find out how here.

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Product News & Review

Rapido Trains HO NSC Bulkhead Flatcar

The Cowcatcher reviews Rapido Trains' newly released HO-scale 66-foot Bulkhead Flatcar. Check out other Product Reviews as well as Product News.

Railroad in Focus

Cowcatcher Magazine periodically features short lines and regional railroads that roam the U.S. rail network. Features include color photographs and maps, as well as an overview of operations and latest business trends. See here the railroads we've focused.