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Union Pacific, Wabtec sign historic $1 billion deal to modernize AC4400 and AC6000 locomotives

Jul 28th, 2022

Union Pacific Railroad signed a historic deal with Wabtec Corp. this week for 600 locomotive modernizations featuring a suite of digital solutions and innovations. The agreement, worth more than $1 billion, is the largest investment in modernized locomotives in rail industry history, and part of UP’s fleet strategy to move more freight efficiently and sustainably across its service territory.

Wabtec will modernize 525 of UP’s AC4400 and AC6000 locomotives, as well as 75 Dash-9 locomotives. The modernized locomotives will feature a suite of digital solutions and innovations such as the FDL Advantage engine upgrade and Modular Control Architecture, a next-generation controls technology that is applicable throughout Wabtec’s locomotive installed base.

The modernizations will extend the locomotive’s life and provide benefits, including a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 18 percent; more than 80 percent increase in reliability; and haulage ability increase of more than 55 percent.

Union Pacific Railroad and Wabtec announced a $1 billion modernization program that will upgrade 600 older locomotives with new technology. – Union Pacific

“UP is taking thoughtful, deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and to help our partners improve theirs,” said Lance Fritz, Chairman, UP president and CEO. “Wabtec’s modernization program helps make our existing fleet more fuel efficient, capable and reliable. The resulting increased tractive power enables us to move more freight with fewer locomotives, which improves efficiency and reduces emissions.”

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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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  • Light Rail / Commuter / News

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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  • News

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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  • News

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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  • Modern Freight

    When modeling a particular era, some agonize over what constitutes an appropriate freight car for the period. Today’s trains can be far more diverse in freight type and age than one from the 1970s. They are built better to last longer and are more varied to meet shippers’ needs.

    Design, build date and service life are factors in determining the modern era of freight cars. See our overview of the types of freight cars in service today on the North American rail network, based on manufacturer and railroad data.

  • Brewing up an Industry

    Details make the difference in Campbell’s brewery kit on the Mystic Branch HO model railroad. The scene is loaded inside and out with accoutrements that are readily available, plus some that require a little imagination and haphazard materials found on the workbench. And even a little trash.

     

     – Gene Mangum

     

  • Imagining a Railroad

    Columnist Michelle Kempema, who recently began sharing her insights with the Cowcatcher, opens model railroading’s world of free-spirited imagination after becoming the new owner of the Big Turn & Southern Railway.

  • PLUS…

    The NMRA is changing, one member at a time. Marketing consultant Christina Zambri is striving to improve the long-time organization’s visibility and image. …

     

    The Surface Transportation Board now requires certain railroads to submit service recovery plans in an effort to speed up rail traffic. …

     

    Fifty years since the last trolley ran, East Troy (WI) welcomes MVPS No. 56 for restoration and an eventual return to service. …

     

     

    THESE STORIES AND MORE, PLUS A FULL CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AND THE BUSINESS PULSE OF THE RAILROAD INDUSTRY!

     

  • Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad





    Visit the new N-scale Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad, the official model railroad of the Cowcatcher Magazine, and track progress. All aboard!
  • Product News & Review

    InterMountain HO ADM Corn Syrup Car

     

    The Cowcatcher reviews InterMountain Railway Co.’s newly released HO-scale Trinity Industries 19,600-gallon corn syrup car. The tank car is one of several in the company’s second release.

     

    More product reviews!

     

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