Past and future issues of Cowcatcher Magazine will be included in the collection of the DeGolyer Library and Special Collections at Southern Methodist University, the magazine announced in February.

Publisher Tim Blackwell donated a copy of each issue of the magazine, which began publishing as Cowcatcher Round Up in January 2004, to DeGolyer Library Director Russell Martin on Feb. 26. The library will receive a copy of future issues to maintain a complete set.

DeGolyer Library is the principal repository at SMU for special collections in the humanities, the history of business, and the history of science and technology. The library is well-known for its collection of local and national railroad history. “We are delighted to have a complete file of the Cowcatcher,” Martin said. “Preserving railroad history is part of our mission.”

DeGolyer Library has an extensive repository of railroad photographs, documents and other materials, including the works of Everett Lee DeGolyer, Jr., who lived in Dallas.  His personal collection, the Everett L. DeGolyer, Jr. Collection of United States Photographs, holds some 15,000 photographs and thousands of negatives of railroads that extend far from Texas.

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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