KANSAS CITY, MO – The Model Railroad Industry Division of the Hobby Manufacturers Association took time at the August NMRA convention to honor three who have made an impact on model railroading and recognize the retirement of an industry leader.

Two HMA members were inducted into the Model Railroad Hall of Fame, another was bestowed the Bobbye Hall Distinguished Service award, and new officers were inducted into the MRID. And next week’s transfer of leadership at the most recognized family-run business in model railroading earned a fist bump.

Phil Walthers and Stacey Walthers Naffah shared a few light moments leading up to next Tuesday’s transition at Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., which has served model railroaders since 1932. Walthers Naffah will succeed Walthers, who is retiring after 34 years as president of one of the industry’s largest distributors and direct sellers of model trains, accessories and related items.

The father-daughter team marked the company’s fourth change of leadership with a knock of the fists.

Model railroaders can brush up on their skills and learn about prototype rails at the Rocky Mountain Train Show March 3-4 in Denver.

More than 30 clinics, headlined by Union Pacific’s steam operations update, are scheduled over both days of the show, which will cover nearly 130,000 square feet at the Denver Mart. Manufacturers, dealers, layouts and representatives from museums and historical societies will also be on hand.

UP’s widely popular session forced show officials to move the presentation to a larger room in the Forum area. Last year, a standing room only crowd of more than 100 heard Ed Dickens Jr., senior manager of UP’s Heritage Operations, update the restoration of Big Boy No. 4014 and offer insight on Northern-class steam locomotive No. 844.

Dickens will do it again at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

“We’ve had to expand to a bigger room for the UP presentation,” said show co-chair John Gardberg. “The presentation has been well attended.”

No. 4014, one of eight remaining Big Boy locomotives is getting a massive makeover for a return to operation.

Since its arrival from the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, CA, in 2014, No. 4014 has undergone a painstaking ground-up rebirth. Thousands of manhours have been spent since disassembly began in earnest in November 2016, and thousands more are scheduled before No. 4014 runs again in 2019.

When complete, the Big Boy will join No. 844 and Challenger No. 3985 on UP’s annual steam excursions.

Other prototype presentations include Amtrak’s Winter Park Express. Colorado Rail Passenger Association President Jim Souby will discuss how Denver got back its Ski Train.

The Ski Train, which provides weekend service between Denver Union Station and Winter Park Resort, returned in 2017 after being shut down in 2009. The train originally began service in 1940 during the winter ski season.

In 2015, the train returned to limited service to celebrate Winter Park Resort’s 75th anniversary before returning in January 2017. Service runs through March.

In other sessions, modelers can learn everything from wiring to basic track laying to installing DCC decoders for a model railroad.

SoundTraxx’s George Bogatiuk III will demonstrate the next generation of decoders. Among the topics he’ll cover is the company’s sound selections, operational features, lighting features and audio tools.

In addition to clinics, some of the model railroad industry’s largest manufacturers will be on hand. The list includes Athearn, Azatrax, Bachmann Trains, Broadway Limited, Kato, U.S.A., Lionel, Micro-Trains, Rapido Trains, Ross Custom Switches, MTH and SoundTraxx.

More than 20 model railroads, including the Trout Creek & Western and Colorado & Great Western that were featured in Cowcatcher Magazine, will be on display. New this year is the Albuquerque Scale HO on Modules (ASHOME) and the Sherman Hill Model Railroad Club. The Mile High Garden Railroad Club and New Mexico Narrow Gauge railroads will also be on display.

While there’s plenty for modelers, Gardberg said the long-running show strives to introduce new people to the hobby. A number of kids activities, including pedal cars near the dock, are planned.

“The big thing is introducing the public to a new hobby and provide a show that satisfies newcomers but also for people who have been in the hobby their entire lives,” said Gardberg, who co-chairs the show with Butch Walb and Larry Thomas. “We’re family friendly and geared toward hobbyists.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show, began on Thanksgiving 1976 as a Train Collectors of America show and has since become a venue to include all facets of model railroading. Shows in recent years have drawn 10,000-12,000.

The Texas Bullet Train made a big push forward before Christmas when federal regulators outlined a preferred route between North Texas and Houston, including identifying passenger station locations.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) analysis, completed after nearly four years of work, provides a path for the high-speed train’s planning, design and pre-construction phases with the intent to ensure the safety and environmental well-being of all along the 240-mile route, according to Texas Central Railway, which is building the investor-owned high-speed passenger line.

The report does not grant any approvals to build the line, but transportation officials say construction could start as early as 2019. Officials have accelerated that timeline from 2021, the date pinpointed in 2014 when the line began heating up.

The next step, according to TCR, is release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, followed by Record of Decision. In the meantime, the FRA is hosting public hearings in 10 counties affected by the line beginning at the end of January.

TCR has been working on this since 2013. Trains are expected to run up to 186 mph and make the trip between Dallas and Houston in about 90 minutes. Speeds could hit 205 mph with regulatory approval. Stations, according to the analysis, will be in Dallas, Houston and at mid-point in Grimes County.

Train consists will model the N700-1 series that JR Central employs in Japan, but with modifications. In Japan the trains run in 16-car sets and carry 1,600 passengers. TCR trains initially will be smaller and carry 500 passengers.

The line, which is estimated to cost $12 billion, has faced stiff opposition from landowners who fear their property values will decline and they’ll be forced to give up land. TCR says it will use eminent domain only as a last resort.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the result of an extensive, public process required for major infrastructure projects, starts the consultation process. The U.S. Department of Transportation called the report’s release “an important milestone” in the permitting process of the train.

“Safe, accessible and efficient regional rail systems are an important component in the transportation networks of many areas,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said. “As proposed, these rail projects would increase travel options and promote economic growth in their regions of the country.”

The report drew praise from proponents.

“This is excellent news,” Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody said. “The Dallas-to-Houston bullet train has reached a development milestone never achieved for a high-speed train in Texas. We know that families and businesses in our state want fast, affordable, reliable transportation options, and rail service will provide that.”

The independent environmental analysis is the result of input from hundreds of experts, including biologists and natural resource technicians; civil, audio, mechanical and electrical engineers; architects and geologists; and historians and sociologists.

The DEIS reviewed potential impact on the environment and how to best protect private property and farmland; natural resources, water and wetlands; threatened and endangered species and energy demands.

The assessment is the latest major advancement by the train, including the recent selection of Irving, Texas-based Fluor Enterprises Inc. and the Lane Construction Corp. as the design/build team, with WSP USA conducting engineering work.

The report also reflects public input from landowners, community groups and elected officials. An independent consultant managed by the FRA solicited, compiled and reviewed the public responses and technical reviews.

The FRA said the train would “alleviate the strain” on the state’s existing infrastructure and “is needed to accommodate growing demand.”

Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar said the design/build teams, which have domestic and international rail experience, will use the DEIS findings to incorporate more details into planning, cost and scheduling. Their work will address remaining environmental issues in the best way possible, he said, and avoid conflicts with existing infrastructure, such as roads, transmission lines and subsurface utilities.

“Thousands of hours have been spent to ensure the Texas Bullet Train will be constructed and operated in a way that gives Texans a choice for the safest mode of transportation in the world,” he said. “This process ensures issues identified are addressed in the best way possible for communities and the environment. We will respectfully follow this public consultation process to ensure legitimate concerns from all stakeholders are addressed.”

Texas Central Railway President Tim Keith is expected to share more information about the project Jan. 19 at the Southwestern Rail Conference in Dallas.

Among the DEIS highlights:

Preferred Route
A preferred route for the all-electric train follows transmission lines in a utility corridor between North Texas and Houston. In comparing the final options, the FRA identified a preferred route that “would have fewer permanent impacts to the socioeconomic, natural, physical and cultural resources environment.” The alignment would minimize impacts on the environment and existing development and would allow the system to optimize operational efficiency. A more precise route, which would accelerate planning, design and coordination with landowners and communities, is outlined.

Passenger stations
Potential passenger terminal sites include Dallas, Houston and the only midway stop, in Grimes County, serving Bryan/College Station in the Brazos Valley. The report notes that transit services in Dallas and Harris counties, operated by DART and METRO, respectively, could see increased ridership. Also, stations would be built to minimize energy and water usage and promote indoor air quality.

The Dallas station would be in the Cedars area south of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The Brazos Valley Station in Grimes County would be near Texas 90 and State Highway 30. It would serve Bryan-College Station and include direct shuttle service to Texas A&M University, according to the report.

Three options are listed for the Houston passenger terminal, with a final to be determined later, in the general area south of U.S. 290, west of Loop 610 and north of Interstate 10 – near major employment centers, including the Galleria, Medical Center, Energy Corridor and downtown.

Environmental impact
Proposed high-speed train technology will incorporate viaduct structures on a significant part of the alignment to maintain existing road crossings and enable economic activity to continue.

The line will feature no “at-grade crossings,” removing the risk of intersecting with vehicles and allowing for free movement of wildlife, pedestrians and cars.

Also, the clean nature of the system will benefit high-growth areas where some counties already have reached air quality non-attainment status.

The analysis “considered permanent impacts to air quality, water quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials, aesthetics and visual, transportation, land use, socioeconomic, safety and security, and recreation facility. Overall, construction and operation impacts would not affect (these) in a disproportionately high and adverse manner.”

The project is expected to generate $36 billion in direct economic activity over the next 25 years, create more than 10,000 direct jobs per year during construction and up to 1,000 jobs permanently when operational. As the DEIS confirms, at least 25 percent of these permanent jobs will be in rural counties along the route.

In addition, the report said, “every permanent job from the (high-speed rail) HSR system would indirectly spur two to four jobs in supporting industries.”

The railroad also expects to pay more than $2.5 billion in taxes over the next 25 years.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Kansas City Southern’s 17th annual Holiday Express train kicks off its charitable run Nov. 24 in Victoria, TX. The train will stop in 22 communities in six states on 26 dates running through Dec. 19.

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. The event is free.

The Holiday Express has raised well over $1 million to purchase gift cards, which are donated to the Salvation Army at each stop. The gift cards are then used to buy warm clothing and other necessities for children in need in the local community.

KCS is working with the Salvation Army this year to specially assist communities along the route most impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including Victoria, El Campo, Kendleton and Beaumont. The KCS Charitable Fund will make a supplemental donation at these communities.KCS and its employees have previously given over $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief.

“In 2017, KCS celebrates 130 years of doing business and the 17th annual KCS Holiday Express. As a company, we value family and community, which is why we are pleased to continue this long-standing tradition of making the holidays a little brighter in communities where we live and work,” said president and chief executive officer Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. “This year, we want to give extra attention to the communities along the route impacted by Hurricane Harvey.”

The train will make stops in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas before completing its run at Kansas City’s Union Station on Dec. 15. It will be on public display at the station Dec. 16-19.

The KCS Holiday Express was built on the tradition of the Santa Train, which ran on a segment of the network bought by KCS in 1997. In 2000, a group of warm-hearted KCS employees noticed that the Santa Train was the only Christmas some kids had, and that some kids did not have essential items like coats, hats and gloves, so they committed to elevating the project. In 2001, volunteers transformed a retired freight train to the experience that communities throughout KCS’ U.S. service territory enjoy today.

Led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car “Rudy”; a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a gingerbread box car; an elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose. Each car is dressed in lights.

– Kansas City Southern