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• After placing 44 new SD70ACe locomotives into service last year, Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A. de C.V. (Ferromex) took delivery of an additional 38 units from Electro-Motive Diesel Inc. (EMD) last month. EMD introduced the 4,300-horsepower SD70ACe locomotive in 2005 for freight applications in North America and worldwide. It meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 2 emissions standards, enabling Ferromex to interchange locomotives with railroads in the United States and Canada, EMD officials said in a prepared statement. The locomotives were sold to the leasing entity of Grupo BBVA, Apoyo Mercantil S.A. de C.V. and leased to Ferromex. The contract also includes a 15-year locomotive maintenance agreement.

• The first line in Croatia to be equipped with European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)/European Train Control System (ETCS) technology has started commercial operation, according to Bombardier Transportation. Bombardier’s INTERFLO 250 ERTMS/ETCS Level 1 system is now operating on the upgraded 33.5-kilometer section of the Pan European Corridor X, according to a press release. The corridor from Vinkovci to Tovarnik enables train speeds of up to 100 mph. Bombardier was responsible for the design, delivery and commissioning of the line’s signaling system. It includes the latest generation BOMBARDIER EBI Lock 950 computer-based interlocking system and wayside equipment; certification of the system for operation in Croatia was required.

• CF Rail Services recently announced several changes. Effective Jan. 1, the company has assumed the operations of a rail-car repair facility in Longview, Wash. As part of its partnership with Patriot Rail Corp., CF Rail Services will assume the car repair operation as well as most of the shop’s current employees. In addition, CF Rail Services named Randy Ward manager of the Mississippi Railcar operation; promoted Dross Hunter to director of field services to oversee the expanding leased location and mini shop operations; and promoted Bill Plavsic from director of rail services to vice president to oversee all of the company’s operations.

• HiRail Corp. named Eric Schook president, effective this month.