On December 8, 2023, a grade crossing accident occurred in downtown Ocotlan, Mexico. A westbound Ferromex freight train was heading through the inadequately-protected grade crossing at Madero Street. While this photographer was filming the passing train a quarter of a mile away, the train suddenly went into emergency. After walking around the stopped train, it was discovered that an SUV had struck and shoved into the bushes! The paramedics arrived and transported the injured family to the hospital. Hopefully no one was seriously injured. The railroad crossing lacked gates, bells, or flashers. This is a busy downtown area, with Mexican automobiles, bikers, cyclists, and pedestrians pouring across the tracks like water from a broken dam. Such a setup like this would be inconceivable in America.

  Full list of passenger routes in FRA Corridor program released By David Lassen | December 8, 2023 Thirty-four new routes among 69 selected, which also include high speed projects, those seeking to increase frequencies The routes selected for the Federal Railroad  Administration Corridor   Identification and  Development Program.  New routes are dotted blue lines; existing routes  seeking service  increases are solid blue;  high speed routes are dotted red. FRA WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has released its list of routes selected for the first step of its Corridor Identification and Development Program, a catch-all group of 69 potential future Amtrak routes, possible extensions to existing routes, efforts to increase service on existing routes, and future high speed rail systems. Thirty-three of these routes had previ...

 Step onto the captivating world of Hotrail Productions, where the magic of lights, camera, and trains combines to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it's a thrilling action sequence or a heartwarming romantic scene, the railway has long been a favorite setting for filmmakers and TV producers. From historic steam locomotives to sleek high-speed trains, rail productions offer a diverse range of possibilities for filmmakers. The rumbling of wheels on the tracks, the expansive landscapes passing by, and the undeniable charm of train travel all contribute to the allure of these productions. We'll also uncover the techniques used to capture the dynamic beauty of trains on camera, from tracking shots to aerial footage. Get ready to be swept away by the sights and sounds of this extraordinary behind-the-scenes realm.    A Mexico trip is in the making. While my Mexico travel visa is being processed, I have witnessed railroading in a world far different than the West. Mex...

The railroad junction at Logansport, Indiana has been very underrated in recent years. Both Norfolk Southern and Genesee & Wyoming provide plenty of interesting movements. The G&W operates the former PRR Panhandle Line from Kenneth to Kokomo. Norfolk Southern operates the former Wabash Railroad that crosses the Wabash river and swings through a hairpin turn to cross the G&W diamond. Located on a riverbend on the Wabash River, this junction is known as Elm Street Interlocking. A river island, known as Biddle Island, lies in the middle of the river, and provides unique photo opportunities.  Here a long eastbound Norfolk Southern freight train is running with three locomotives operating "elephant style." This means that all the locos are facing forward. This origin of this railroad term derides from elephants holding the tail of the elephant in front of them as they walk in a row.

  Spanish high-speed line under mountains opens after 20 years of construction By Keith Fender | December 1, 2023 New 15-mile base tunnel includes dual-gauge trackage A RENFE Class 130 Alvia’ train exits the Pajares Base Tunnel.  This type of train will be used for passenger service; it can change gauge and voltage,  overcoming the new line’s operating complexities. Courtesy ADIF AV MADRID — The King of Spain, King Felipe VI, and his top government ministers have officially opened a new railway line linking the northern province of Asturias to the rest of the Spanish high-speed network, traveling on Nov. 29 in a specially operated high speed train between Madrid and Gijon on the northern coast of Asturias. Regular passenger services began the next day, Thursday, Nov. 30. The 31.25-mile-long new section of railway includes the 15.43-mile Pajares Base Tunnel,...