UPDATE: Texas Central Railway CEO resigns, high-speed rail project has new life after court ruling

Jun 23rd, 2022

This story last updated June 24, 2022

The Texas Central Railway, seemingly on life support after its president resigned suddenly, may be back on track. The Texas Supreme Court ruled today (June 24) that the company may acquire land via eminent domain to build its high-speed line between Dallas and Houston.

The ruling comes nearly six months after the court heard arguments again to support an appellate court’s decision that Texas Central is a railroad or interurban, which have rights to acquire private property for public use. The court supported the appellate court’s decision two years ago but reversed direction in 2021, leading to a second review.

The time lapse between today’s decision and a series of recent events, including the June 13 resignation of Carlos Aguilar as CEO and president of Texas Central Partners, seemingly put the project in jeopardy. Aguilar cited an inability to get key players on the same page; his resignation followed staff layoffs during the pandemic and reports that Texas Central is behind on its taxes.

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ScaleTrains acquires Fox Valley Models, announces upcoming production of N ES44 GEVO, hopper

Jun 17th, 2022

ScaleTrains announced today that it acquired Fox Valley Models, a small Midwest model manufacturer specializing in HO- and N-scale model trains. It then announced upcoming runs of two FVM N-scale models – the GE ES44 GEVO locomotive and Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper.

Just over a year ago, FVM owner Matt Gaudynski joined ScaleTrains as a full-time senior product developer focused on bringing the ex-M.T.H. Trains HO- and S-scale tooling back to market as well as expanding ScaleTrains’ N-scale offerings of several new locomotives and freight cars.

With the acquisition of Fox Valley Models, ScaleTrains announced upcoming runs of two models, including the GE ES44 GEVO locomotive in N scale. – ScaleTrains

ScaleTrains purchased some of M.T.H. Trains’ assets in late 2020.

ScaleTrains owner Shane Wilson said it became apparent that the company would make a good home for the Fox Valley line. Gaudynski will continue to work on product development.

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Arizona’s first modern streetcar system arrives with startup of Valley Metro Streetcar line in Tempe

May 23rd, 2022

Passenger service on Valley Metro Streetcar began Friday in Tempe, AZ, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local leaders and elected officials. The three-mile streetcar route will take riders to major employment centers, entertainment and event destinations, historic neighborhoods and connect to the regional transit network.

“We are so pleased to help support the Tempe Streetcar, which will provide a fast, convenient, car-free option connecting downtown Tempe and Arizona State University,” said FTA Regional Administrator Ray Tellis, whose agency provided $75 million to support the project in addition to $17 million in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan. “With connections to Valley Metro’s light rail system, destinations like Phoenix, Mesa and Sky Harbor Airport are now just a train ride away.”

Valley Metro is the regional public transportation of metro Phoenix.

A Valley Metro streetcar set awaits at a special preview event in April before starting service in Tempe, AZ. The 72-foot-long, 91,000-pound vehicle was built by Brookville Equipment Corp. – Valley Metro

The hybrid streetcar vehicle travels to 14 stops in Tempe and connects to Valley Metro Rail in two locations. The three-mile route serves Tempe destinations such as Tempe Beach Park, Marina Heights, Gammage Auditorium and ASU sports facilities and will support growing travel demand in the central city and region.

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Union Pacific postpones Big Boy West Coast Steam Tour to resolve network operational issues

Apr 26th, 2022

Union Pacific has postponed its Big Boy No. 4014 West Coast Steam Tour to focus on easing supply chain congestion, the railroad announced last week. The tour was scheduled to depart Cheyenne, WY, June 26.

“We know many rail enthusiasts make travel plans and communities prepare to act as host, which is why we made this decision now,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president/corporate relations and chief administrative officer. “We have a duty to continue our efforts to reduce supply chain congestion and provide customers the service they deserve; given the impact of a steam tour on our operations, that focus must be our priority.”

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 rolls through Keller, TX, in August 2021. The venerable locomotive was scheduled to tour the Pacific Northwest beginning in June, but officials postponed the trip so the railroad can focus on easing supply chain issues. – Cowcatcher Magazine

UP will communicate updated plans for a steam tour once service performance levels return to normal.

Earlier this month, UP announced a tour to honor the railroad’s 160th anniversary with a run in the Pacific Northwest. The Big Boy was to be on display in Sparks, NV; Roseville, CA; Portland, OR; and Boise, ID. Brief whistle-stops were scheduled in dozens of communities in Wyoming, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho and Utah.

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