Locomotives are exceptionally well-covered on outlets like All Things Trains. But it’s not often that mass-market publications like The Wall Street Journal produce in-depth pieces that are focused on any aspect of railroading. Union Pacific #4014, the only operational of the 8 surviving Big Boys has made trains popular again…atRead More →
While Union Pacific’s Big Boy tours several east coast states, the company also had a presence at the Great American State Fair, which took place on the National Mall in Washington, DC for portions of June and July. All Things Trains Chairman Phil Bell visited the fair several times andRead More →
Union Pacific’s Big Boy had a tremendous week, traveling from its display location in Philadelphia for the 2026 Fourth of July weekend and into the railroad company town of Altoona, PA. Public and private events in the heart of the Pennsylvania Railroad were followed by traversing the famous Horseshoe CurveRead More →
Fairwinds Terminal Services, operator of the Fairwinds Landing marine logistics center, has secured a $750,000 grant from Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board to support track rehabilitation. This will enable the facility, served by Norfolk Southern, to carry an addition 310 carloads per year. Long known as Lambert’s Point Docks, Fairwinds TerminalRead More →
President Donald J. Trump has signaled support for the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. However, President Trump has also proposed that the government take a 15% stake in the combined company. This proposal comes at an interesting time for both the merger partners and the industry as a whole, whichRead More →
As we speak, Union Pacific #4014–the only operating Big Boy–is traveling over Norfolk Southern’s former Nickel Plate Road main line, headed eastbound. The NKP was very well-known for its fleet of fast Berkshires and Hudsons, but the Big Boy will be the most-watched of the steamers to hit the carrier’sRead More →
John Orr, who joined Norfolk Southern as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer during the height of the Ancora proxy battle, stepped down today (June 1st) and has been replaced by Brian Barr, effective immediately. Orr replaced Paul Duncan who was dismissed during the proxy fight, as Ancora soughtRead More →
The Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA–home to N&W J-Class 4-8-4 #611 and A-Class 2-6-6-4 #1218–is holding a special event today (May 30th) for a “historic” announcement. All Things Trains is hopping in the truck and driving down, so we’ll have photos and video from this announcement, plus takeRead More →
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board accepted the merger application submitted by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, Thursday. However, the Board immediately postponed the proceedings, requesting additional information including an environmental review. For the full story from Railway Age, click here: STB Accepts UP-NS Revised Merger Application; Delays Proceedings – RailwayRead More →
After railfans spent months bemoaning how few America 250 locomotives were planned by Class I carriers, Norfolk Southern unveiled the first of 6 locomotives to be painted in commemorative schemes for our Nation’s 250th birthday. The first of the group, #1776 was released on May 22nd. The locomotive previously carriedRead More →
