Trains January 2022

from the editor

jwrinn@kalmbach.com @TrainsMagazine @trains_magazine There is a lot to like in this issue, from our cover story, “Winter in Coal Country,” to a short line worth knowing, and my story about planning trips for the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. If I had to pick a favorite, though, I’d direct you to pages 22 to 29, where David Lustig and associates have news you can use: Our guide to the rare, the interesting, and the fleeting that are worth your time visiting in 2022. It’s a guide to the locomotives, railroads, and places that you should seek out in person. I’ve delighted in my visits to the Iowa Traction electrics, and street running in Michigan City calls me across Lake Michigan. Enjoy these opportunities to visit something truly remarkable. Let’s get busy livin’!…

canadian national ceo to retire as railroad faces proxy fight

JJ RUEST’S TENURE as Canadian National’s chief executive will end the way it began: In the middle of a crisis. Ruest replaced Luc Jobin as CEO in 2018 when CN struggled with traffic in Western Canada. Ruest will retire in January, the railroad announced in October amid an ongoing proxy fight launched by activist investor TCI Fund Management. No successor was named. CN’s announcement came a day after TCI released its plan touting former CN Chief Operating Officer Jim Vena as its CEO candidate. TCI has been critical of CN’s financial and operational performance as well as its failed pursuit of Kansas City Southern. TCI founder Chris Hohn said Ruest’s retirement was “a clear admission by the board that change is needed.” TCI urged the CN board to meet with Vena and appoint…

news briefs

UNION PACIFIC and NORFOLK SOUTHERN mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for employees in October, effective Dec. 8, citing an executive order covering federal contractors. Both railroads filed lawsuits against unions indicating opposition to the requirement, saying it should be subject to negotiation. NS contended the matter is subject to arbitration because it involves interpretation of an existing agreement. BNSF RAILWAY later added its own mandate, effective Jan. 4. After a pandemic-spurred shutdown of more than 20 months, BRIGHTLINE resumed service between Miami and West Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 8, and announced it would offer door-to-door service to and from its stations. In October, the company received the first of the new SIEMENS trainsets for its coming expansion to Orlando, shown en route at Hopkinsville, Ky. Jim Pearson A TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA…

infrastructure package to help freight railroads

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN’S $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, signed into law in November, includes significant spending for rail-related projects through 2026, from grants to shore up short line track to a study of Class I railroads’ use of long trains. Amtrak will receive the majority of the rail money; Trains will address that in the February issue. But freight railroads are not left out of the five-year Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant program, or CRISI, will get a big funding boost. The bill provides $1 billion per year, up from $362 million in fiscal 2021. The grants support a range of programs, including regional and short line track and infrastructure projects, grade crossing elimination and improvement efforts, and research and development. Regional and short line railroads…

cp-kcs merger has all the right stuff

bybillstephens@gmail.com @bybillstephens Analysis: Trains.com The proposed merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern — the first combination of Class I systems in two decades, and likely the last — should win favor in Washington. After all, their comprehensive merger application checks all of the Surface Transportation Board’s boxes. More rail competition? Canadian Pacific Kansas City has that in spades, since much of the forecast growth will come at the expense of other railroads. More trucks off the highway? You bet! Environmental benefits, like reduced greenhouse gas emissions? Yup, by the ton! Support from shippers? Nearly universal! More jobs for labor? Yes, since you need more people to move and maintain more trains. And, finally, a focus on growth, backed by capital spending? CPKC is putting its money where its mouth is, judging from…

guru of the steam safari

briansolomon.author@gmail.com @briansolomon.author Blog: briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/ Podcast: Trains.com Recently, I met with Peter Lerro, who had arranged to visit the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire to scout locations for his January photo charter. Lerro has established a reputation for his professionally organized steam photo charters, and I was curious to learn first hand about his approach and planning. Many years ago, I discovered that I could always improve my technique by spending time with other photographers because every photographer goes about the process of making pictures in their own way. In my photography, I put time and thought into finding the best locations. Typically, this involves lots of map study, walking to inspect places at various times of day and during different seasons, and when possible from locomotive cabs. To obtain the most effective photo, I…