Trains

Pt 1 if you didn't see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nym3sQhkhww

cross-posted from: https://midwest.social/post/31405145

I can see the WSOR trains go by a couple of times a day from my office window. There's a routine: Send a locomotive out to the west side to pick up the consist of hopper cars, take them out to the east to get filled with gravel or crushed stone, then take them out to the west, often with tanker cars added to the train. Once in a while, they take a train of full lumber cars west.

Today, I happened to look out and see something completely novel: C&NW steam locomotive #1385 on its flatbed, pulled by a WSOR diesel. The Mid-Continent Railway museum is finishing up a years-long restoration of #1385, and it's on its way back to North Freedom.

I am kind of embarrassed to admit how delighted I am to see it, and all of the love the volunteers have lavished on it. I remember seeing #1385 under full steam, pulling the circus train back in the day, so it holds a fond place in my childhood memories.

There's a homecoming celebration at the museum this Saturday, and I just had to share.

cross-posted from: https://jlai.lu/post/17736808

In a report from WJHL, the State of Tennessee and FEMA announced the approval of funds. $1.58 million comes from FEMA with the rest from non-federal entities. The release states that the Public Assistance program “will cover eligible costs to repair 6,707 linear feet of the railroad track, remove and replace 816 rail cross ties and replace 13.5 tons of limestone railroad ballast, using best construction practices and National Standards for Rail Construction.”

The Chicago Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced this week that transit agencies in the region, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail service, and PACE bus service could all see drastic cuts in 2026 if something is not done to address the $770 million budget shortfall these agencies face.

cross-posted from: https://midwest.social/post/24995967

DOWNS, Kan. (KWCH) - A Kyle Railroad train derailed Thursday morning on a highway in northeast Osborne County, causing seven railcars carrying corn to leave the tracks.