Month: August 2013

  • eNewsletter for August 5, 2013

    Metrolink has hired additional security to check passengers for valid tickets before allowing them to board trains. Only half of the doors are opened for boarding where security and train crew inspects tickets at  half opened doors. Many trains have security on board to check tickets for boarding at intermediate stations. This is an attempt…

  • Some Interesting Things about Freight and Passenger Trains

    By Noel T. Braymer I recently got a copy of Trains Magazine’s extra edition of Railroad Maps. It is a compilation of material and graphics from previous Trains issues about changes in American Railroading mostly since 1980. A fact that stood out was Cajon Pass in Southern California is the busiest railroad pass in the…

  • eNewsletter for July 29, 2013

    Francisco Jose Garzon Amo the operator of the Spanish train that crashed killing 79 people and injured at least 130 of the 247 on board was recorded telling dispatchers shortly after the crash. ” I’ve derailed, What do I do? What am I supposed to do? I ****ed up. I want to die.” The train…

  • Re: Ralph James Auburn-Bakersfield Trip (a discussion)

    NOTE: The following letter was published in the July 29, 2013 RailPAC e-newsletter as a “letter to the editor” after Ralph James’ article on the subject in the July-August issue of the “Steel Wheels” newsletter. Ralph James has now replied to Mr. Heywood, and those comments are published here. Bob Heywood, Modesto, CA, wrote, I…

  • RailPAC PHOTOS of the Month (June-July, 2013)

    Here are 5 photos by RailPAC photographers. Click on each photo to see it full size! Contributions to this page are welcome. Send your jpg rail photos to RailPAC Photo Editor, at [email protected]. THIS MONTH: Los Angeles Union Station, Newhall station, North Hollywood, the Ft. Worth Intermodal Center, and BICYCLES! 1. There is still no…

  • Amtrak’s Southwest Chief; a future still in doubt

    Commentary by Russ Jackson, RailPAC It’s time we took another look at the continuing saga of the future of the Southwest Chief, which requires action as to whether 1) It will continue on its historic route from Albuquerque to Kansas via the Raton Pass route, or, 2) It will be moved to the BNSF “Transcon”…