23 events to look forward to in 2016

As the new year begins, there’s lots on the horizon to anticipate. Here’s what catches my eye so far this year. Stick around and read all about it on our News Wire at www.TrainsMag.com and in the pages of our monthly magazine. And don’t forget, we’re doing a weekly video roundup of the week’s news and the news ahead every Friday on our website.

January
7-9
National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association meeting in San Diego.
Why it matters: Railroads announce their capital spending plans. With traffic off, is 2016 a lull that is an opportunity to get ahead on double track, bridges, and sidings, or a year to save big bucks and spend later when the money is flowing again?
8
American Association of Railroads annual car loadings for 2015 announced.
Why it matters: This will give us a picture of just how bad coal traffic is and how just about everything else, save for autos, is in a free fall as the strong U.S. dollar, low grain prices, and more cutbacks in coal slam the industry.
TBA
Norfolk Southern steam schedule for 2016.
Why it matters: NS says it will focus on Norfolk & Western No. 611 in Virginia and the Carolinas this year. With business off and a new administration at the throttle, it’s only natural to expect fewer, more selective excursions. Specific dates and cities will help fans plan their schedules to enjoy big steam on the main line this year.

February
13
Meet me at the 38^th annual Jacksonville Rail Fair at the Prime Osborne Convention Center in sunny (we hope) Jacksonville, Fl.
Why it matters: Tell us what you want to see in our magazine and on the website.
29
Leap year’s extra day
Why it matters: An additional day this month to enjoy train watching.

March
19
Winterail, the perennial super photo event.
Why it matters: First time for this event in Oregon after years in Stockton.

April
1
Widened Panama Canal opens
Why it matters: We’ll see if this is a game changer for Western roads that are used to hauling containers off all those ships coming into Long Beach, Calif., and for Eastern roads used to picking up the cargo mid-country and hauling it further east. 
22
Denver’s commuter line from Union Station downtown to the airport commences operation.
Why it matters: 23 miles of commuter railroad plus light rail equals 122 miles of railroading bliss in a city that needs options besides autos.
26
Trains’ Colorado Railroads 100-page magazine and companion 1-hour DVD come out just in time to plan your 2016 trip to the Centennial State. 

May
2-5
Wheel Rail Interaction meeting in Henderson, Nev., sponsored by Trains.
Why it matters: Great chance to rub shoulders with the up and coming folks in the industry and learn a lot at a seminar that sounds dull but is everything other than boring. Details: http://trn.trains.com/landing/wri
Early
Norfolk Southern shareholders’ meeting.
Why it matters: Possibly the ultimate showdown in the Canadian Pacific attempt to take over Norfolk Southern.
14
National Train Day
Why it matters: OK, Amtrak changed this in 2015 to Amtrak Train Days and spread it around geographically and time-wise, but NTD had just caught on and it’s still easy to remember. Look for local events around the country.
11-23
Trains tour of Ireland and England railroads. Our second overseas trip features the Emerald Isle, Isle of Man, and England.
Why it matters: Steam, a pint, and British accents. Need we say more? Details: www.specialinteresttours.net

25-June 2 and May 30-June 7
Back to back Trains-sponsored tours of Colorado.
Why it matters: A great chance to catch all of the best tourist railroads and museums in one whirlwind trip. Details: www.specialinteresttours.net

June
3
Trains’ 20^th Century Limited DVD is released in conjunction with documentarian Rich Luckin.
Why it matters: 2017 is the 50^th anniversary of the last run of this great American train.
Details: Available soon at https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/railroading

July
23
25^th Annual Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days train.
Why it matters: The one and only public excursion you can count on for the Union Pacific each year. So popular, it has its own ticket lottery. Details: http://cfdtrain.com/CFDTrain/Welcome.html
19-24
National Railway Historical Society convention in Denver
Why it matters: You can never have enough Colorado.
24
Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309’s anticipated debut.
Why it matters: One big brute of a coal-burning, coal-hauling early 20^th century-design built in 1949 comes back to life on a regular run on the famous Western Maryland main line. It will shake the ground. It will shake your soul.

August
13
Big-time eastern photo spectacular Summerail moves to Marion, Ohio.
Why it matters: Great train watching site and great show. Details: http://heyevent.com/event/ycjrrpgtfdorea/summerail-2016

September
TBA
Amtrak’s new president takes office.
Why it matters: New leadership for the nation’s passenger carrier.
20-23 and 24-25
InnoTrans, the world’s largest railroad trade show.
Why it matters: The global marketplace just gets bigger and bigger, and here’s where the new stuff starts. If you want to see 2 miles’ worth of new trains on display, there are two public days at the end of the show. Details: www.innotrans.de/en/
27
Locomotive 2016 goes on sale.
Why it matters: Great reading about motive power of today.

27-Oct. 11
Trains-sponsored tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Why it matters: Everybody wants to visit these two places! Details:  www.specialinteresttours.net.