Innkeeper Note:  Continuing with coverage of our visit to the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum [begun Sunday, 2/19], here’s the next ‘stop’ on our rail journey eastward from PITTSBURGH to CUMBERLAND, MD. This is one of several engine terminals on the WPMRM layout.  Note that it is occupied by a number of excellent models.  Photo by your Innkeeper.

Moving forward with the California high-speed rail project is critical to the future of passenger rail projects throughout the country. Its success will make it easier to obtain funding and support for other passenger rail projects in the U.S., ranging from local streetcars to high-speed rail. Its failure will be a setback for everyone.

The next step toward making it happen is to have the California legislature include high-speed rail construction funds in its FY2013 budget (beginning July 2012). This is in order to take advantage of federal high-speed rail funds awarded to the project.

It is important that the California legislature hear from California residents about the project. We’ve created a website that explains what’s happening and gives more information on the background of the project and why it’s so important.

If you live in California, tell your legislator to include funding for the project in the budget.

If you don’t live in California, ask your California friends to contact their legislators.

You can do all of this at StandUpForTrains.org.

Annual Meeting May 5th in Chicago. Register Here!

Covered hoppers never die; they just got sold off

Innkeeper Note:  Ever notice that covered hoppers are among the most often re-lettered freight cars?  It’s probably true, although we have no official statistics. No doubt owing in part to the ever-changing nature of the agricultural business, many covered hoppers become ‘patch jobs’ fairly early in their careers.  Witness this ex-Burlington Northern car which was included in a cut of several similar cars–including two ex-CONRAIL–at CONWAY YARD on Wednesday.  Photo by Your Innkeeper.