Amtrak will acquire new mainline passenger diesel locomotives from Siemens Mobility to replace its aging National Network locomotive fleet.

Seventy-five Charger locomotives are being built for Amtrak’s Long Distance train service as part of an $850 million order that includes options to purchase more to accommodate use on some state-supported routes and future growth.

“These new locomotives will offer increased reliability, more hauling power, improved safety features and lower emissions,” said Amtrak President & CEO Richard Anderson in December.

The locomotives will offer the latest safety systems including Crash Energy Management and Positive Train Control. Capable of speeds up to 125 mph, the locomotives will be powered by a 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 diesel engine capable of 4,000 horse power with modern control systems and Alternating Current (AC) propulsion. The diesel engine will come equipped with the latest Tier 4 emissions technology, reducing nitrogen oxide by over 89 percent and particulate matter by 95 percent, and provide an average of 10 percent savings in diesel fuel consumption.

Despite a delayed launch, the first Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter train arrived on time at D/FW International Airport in the wee hours this morning with a handful of riders. The train’s arrival at Terminal B well before dawn marked the end of an 11-year journey to link downtown Fort Worth to the airport.

The first train to run fully across the 27-mile line departed Fort Worth T&P Station at 3:25 a.m. and arrived at the airport at 4:17. The train originated at Fort Worth North Side Station and reached the former Texas & Pacific Station, the western terminus, at 3:14 a.m.

“I think it’s going to be great for the community, great for the airport, great for Fort Worth,” Steve Crum, the train’s first rider, told CBS 11 News. “It’s a long time coming, well deserved.”

The $1 billion commuter line, which runs on the former Cotton Belt railroad through Grapevine and to the airport, was derailed from its planned Jan. 5 start because of a signal issue detected the day before. A problem resulted from a hardware installation by Trinity Metro’s signal contractor, the agency said, and further testing was needed.

By the end of the day the signal was fixed, but Trinity Metro couldn’t get sign-off by the Federal Railroad Administration. TEXRail officials did not blame the delay on the FRA being short-handed resulting from the government shutdown.

Installing Positive Train Control (PTC) on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief was among 11 projects in 10 states that received grants from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) this week to assist with deploying the safety systems.

The FRA awarded $46.3 million for the projects, marking the second time funding was provided in Fiscal Year 2018 for PTC systems deployment projects under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and via the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program. Overall, FRA has awarded $250 million in funding.

All funding will benefit passenger rail, with about 31 percent – or $14 million – benefiting rural projects.

A pair of top Texas museums that recognize railroading’s past for much of the year will offer a glimpse into present day model railroading at train shows over the Oct. 27 weekend. For much of nearly two decades, shows at the New Braunfels Railroad Museum and Texas City Museum have been a rite of passage each fall in the Lone Star State.

The timing couldn’t be better. After weeks of rain – including record rainfall in some parts of the state – the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny.

The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is housed in the 1907 International and Great Northern depot. – Cowcatcher Magazine

The New Braunfels Railroad Museum’s 10th Annual Fall Train Show Oct. 27-28 at the New Braunfels Civic Center will feature more than 60 vendors from Texas and beyond, displaying over 300 tables filled with new and vintage model railroad equipment.

The show will feature hourly drawings for prizes donated by vendors and local sponsors, as well as a silent action.

Kids age 5 and under can ride the Landa Park Miniature Train for free.

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Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express will stop in 22 communities and eight states on 27 dates, starting with its departure from Shreveport Yard in Shreveport, LA, after an employee function on Nov. 21.

Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE: KSU) recently announced the schedule for the 18th annual Holiday Express, a charitable fund-raiser for the railroad. At each stop, visitors can board the train, visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. Each event is free and open to the public.

Over the past 17 years, the project has raised well over $2 million to purchase gift cards, which are donated to The Salvation Army at each scheduled stop. The gift cards are used to purchase warm clothing and other necessities for children in need in the local community.

“KCS is proud to continue this long-standing tradition of bringing joy to communities throughout our network with the Holiday Express train,” said KCS president and chief executive officer Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. “This project brings people together, helps build relationships in the community and supports our corporate vision and values.”

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