Railroads in the News Thursday Jan 31st

Modelers in the News...
'I've been workin' on the railroad ...'
Fans of model trains create their own little worlds. Full bits here.

Club News...
Note if you have club news to add email it to me
Model Trains Draw Crowds in Wilmington
"I think everything speaks for itself here. A large crowd and a lot of people interested in the hobby. I want to encourage everyone to come out tomorrow from ten to four as well," said Ben Jackson, a member of the Cape Fear Model Railroad Club. Full bits here.

Blissfield Model Railroad Club Open-House

Amherst Show care of passingloop.com

Blogs and Column's...

Mike Hamer's Blog's
These blog here showcase top notch modelling skills and interesting rail fanning bits.
Edmonton and On Westward! (Railfanning blog)
Mikes B&M Layout blog can be found here.

Grade Crossings and cracked Roads
Scott Blog writes on his Derwins Drop layout today he takes us through grade crossings. Full bits here

Eddie's Rail fan page - was updated as well with some rail fanning images and write-ups Full bits here.

Prototype in the News...
A train car blows off the tracks over Sandusky Bay
The last car of a 20-car Norfolk Southern train derailed on a bridge over Sandusky Bay about 3:40 this morning. Spokesman Rudy Husband said high winds may have knocked the car off the tracks. It did not fall into the Bay. The car was carrying a dozen empty containers, Husband said. Ten of the empty containers fell into the water. The train's engineers were not injured. Full bits here

Presszoom - New, Safer Brake Technology for Freight Trains Gains Traction as Second Railroad Launches ECP Train. Full bits here

prnewswire - Chicago Metropolis 2020 Says Railroad Plan Could Ease Highway Congestion and Benefit Economy. Full bits here

indybay - $50,000 Sunday Stroll on the Westside Railroad Tracks
People Power, an advocate for human-powered transportation in Santa Cruz County, hosted a walk along the rail corridor in Santa Cruz in response to recent threats by Union Pacific to fine "trespassers" up to $2,000. Full bits here

Yankton - Fight Brewing Over Possible Closing Of Railroad Crossings
Hundreds of railroad crossings across Nebraska could be closed under a law that is angering some residents who think state officials are being heavy-handed in applying it. Full bits here

neweraprogress - Some steam ahead: Amherst train depot gets moved
More than 10 years of work and planning on the part of county officials and a determined group of citizens has paid off, in part. Full bits here

Train speeds to rise
Union Pacific Railroad will increase speed for some freight trains from 35 mph to 50 mph and to 60 mph for passenger trains on crossings at West Park, Burton, Link and Cordrey avenues in Orange. Full bits here
Development Council Supports CSX Center
BARTOW | The Central Florida Development Council on Monday unanimously supported the controversial CSX logistics center in Winter Haven on the condition regional planning officials address its impacts in Lakeland and on the environment. Full bits here
2 new possibilities for rail logistics center proposed in Thurston County
Two new Thurston County sites and one in Lewis County are being studied for a multimillion dollar rail logistics center. The sites are in addition to a Maytown site under consideration for the development by the ports of Tacoma and Olympia. Full bits here

Governor delivers tough message to rail company

International bits...
South Africa: Busses Provided for Stranded Train Commuters
The South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) suspended train services in the area after six train engines and eight train carriages were burnt by angry commuters two weeks ago. Full bits here

Next Stop, FUN: The French Summer Party Train!
That’s right. Starting this summer, SNCF is booking overnight trains from Paris to Biarritz, Montpellier and Nice - three towns very familiar with partying, even without the government’s blessing - complete with bar cars, DJs, dance floors, video game and talent competitions, and low-lighting cars for chatting up fellow passengers. Full bits here

Historical Bits...
Independant - When railroads crisscrossed Monmouth County
A brief history in photographs of riding the rails. Full bits here

siskiyoudaily - Railroad enthusiasts in Siskiyou County now have to look no further than their local bookstore to get their fix of local rail history. Full bits here