Train Tracks: News

Northrop Grumman wins DARPA contract for a railway on the Moon

Northrop Grumman wins DARPA contract for a railway on the Moon

Jim SchreierApr 1, 20241 min read

In preparation for a permanent human colony on the Moon, DARPA has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman to develop a lunar railway concept, as part of the 10-year Lunar…

Fuel-cell train travels more than 1,700 miles on one tank of hydrogen

Fuel-cell train travels more than 1,700 miles on one tank of hydrogen

Jim SchreierApr 1, 20241 min read

A hydrogen fuel-cell passenger train developed by Swiss rail vehicle maker Stadler Rail has achieved a new Guinness World Record, traveling for almost two days around the clock for a…

Google’s new HQ goes off the rails

Google’s new HQ goes off the rails

Jim SchreierFeb 26, 20241 min read

Google has commissioned the ambitious transformation of a 1930s rail terminal into a new headquarters in New York City. Named St. John’s Terminal, the building has been massively upgraded, including…

The US Military Almost Deployed Nuclear Missile Trains on American Railroads During the Cold War

The US Military Almost Deployed Nuclear Missile Trains on American Railroads During the Cold War

Jim SchreierFeb 23, 20241 min read

According to a 1992 assessment of the project by Air Force Lt. Col. Terrence G. Crossey, 25 of the military service’s trains would hold two 71-foot Peacekeepers apiece, totaling 50 missiles…

Coors Light Chill Train

Coors Light Chill Train

Jim SchreierFeb 12, 20241 min read

Easily my favorite Super Bowl commercial. Even better with this two-minute version! https://youtu.be/mGcnOXddsgs?si=ch1qF7crSKg13Gms

China claims new speed record with vacuum-tube maglev train

China claims new speed record with vacuum-tube maglev train

Jim SchreierFeb 11, 20241 min read

China’s biggest missile manufacturer is working on a hyperloop. CASIC claims it’s clocked the fastest speed ever for a superconducting maglev vehicle – over 623 km/h (387 mph) – during…

Partially sunken train station links China’s past and future

Partially sunken train station links China’s past and future

Jim SchreierFeb 8, 20241 min read

MAD Architects has completed work on an ambitious new train station in China, which involved painstakingly rebuilding a 100-year-old train station brick-by-brick, which now fronts a huge modern transport hub…

Original Pennsylvania Station – New York

Original Pennsylvania Station – New York

Jim SchreierJan 17, 20241 min read

This old historic railroad station opened in 1910 and was demolished between 1963 to 1968. When the railroad station opened, it could operate and run 144 trains per hour. It…

Denmark’s New National Trains

Denmark’s New National Trains

Jim SchreierJan 16, 20241 min read

Denmark’s new national train is about as Danish as you can get. Inspired by Denmark’s mix of big and small cities, with direct references to classic midcentury Danish design, and…

The Future of Freight Is Rail

The Future of Freight Is Rail

Jim SchreierJan 3, 20241 min read

Parallel Systems enables railroads to serve new markets by converting freight from trucking to rail. We’re building automated, battery-electric, freight rail vehicles and the tools to integrate this service into…

Derailment damages close world’s longest rail tunnel

Derailment damages close world’s longest rail tunnel

Jim SchreierNov 3, 20231 min read

Switzerland’s national rail operator said Thursday the world’s longest rail tunnel won’t be fully reopened to train traffic until next September, again pushing back the target date for repairs of damage caused…

The Best Scenic Long-Distance Scenic Train Trips to Take in the US

The Best Scenic Long-Distance Scenic Train Trips to Take in the US

Jim SchreierJul 18, 20231 min read

There are so many ways to explore the country, and traveling by train is one of the most scenic options available. With more than a few incredible long-distance train routes…