A thrilling ride on a high-steed steam locomotive is featured in this article from June 1950 Trains Magazine by then-Editor David P. Morgan. Engineer Valentine Ureda pulls up the drop seat within the door of his Hudson’s vestibuled cab, wipes it off with cotton waste, then pauses for a logical question: “Ever ride a steam […]
In every issue News, p. 4 Amtrak CEO Gardner ousted, and the carrier sidelines its Horizon car fleet Bill Stephens, p. 10 CPKC keeps fingers crossed as trade tensions flair History with Hankey, p. 12 Railroads, logistics, and winning the Civil War Brian Solomon, p. 46 Visiting a pair of railroad-themed bed & breakfasts Preservation, […]
DENVER — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has lost a land-use fight stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic before the Colorado Supreme Court. The court, in a group of decisions announced May 27, upheld a ruling that LaPlata County had the right to regulate the railroad, as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission had previously […]
DETROIT — If you’d like to spend a night (or more) at the historic Michigan Central station, the opportunity is coming. Michigan Central, the Ford affiliate that redeveloped the long-derelict landmark structure that reopened last year, announced today (June 2, 2025) that NoMad Hotels will open a hotel with about 180 rooms within the building. […]
Railroading — and its echoes — remain all around us, deeply embedded in language, culture, technology, and attitudes. It is less visible today than even 50 years ago, but it is there if you take a look. Or listen, because trains have been a major part of the American cultural soundtrack. There is music about […]
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A benefit for steam expert Gary Bensman — whose fingerprints are on virtually every major steam locomotive restoration project — is being held to help defray medical costs as he recovers from a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac surgery. Bensman suffered a major cardiac event in February while working at a […]
The first step in building a freight train is understanding what railroaders mean by “compliance.” A freight train is said to be “in compliance” when it’s assembled properly and is operating according to the railroad’s rules. In practice, crews need to devote as much attention to the big picture of compliance as they do to […]
TEHACHAPI, Calif.— The Friends of the Tehachapi Depot and the City of Tehachapi will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Tehachapi Depot Museum in early June. The replica structure was built shortly after the destruction of the original station by a fire in 2008. “We are thrilled to honor this milestone for the Tehachapi Depot […]
On July 23, 1966, New York Central set a new U.S. railroad speed record when jet-powered RDC M-497, dubbed the Pride of the New York Central, hit 183.85 mph on a 24-mile tangent section of 26-year-old joined rail between Butler, Ind. and Stryker, Ohio. The RDC sported cylindrical wheels in place of normal tapered-tread wheels, […]
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada State Railroad Museum will be hosting its “Star Spangled Steam Up” during the Fourth of July weekend, July 3-6, 2025. The headliner during the event will be a guest appearance by Nevada County Narrow Gauge 2-6-0 No. 5, Tahoe, returning to the museum for the first time since the 2022 […]
Elevated crossing gate towers were once common sights at busy road intersections. The compact and fascinating structures faded from the railroad scene during the 1940s and 1950s as automatic crossing gates became more widely used. The role of the towers was simple, yet important. Keeping watch from his lofty perch, the crossing tender warned motorists […]
For the dedicated photographer looking for quality over quantity, finding the perfect location to capture railroading against stunning backdrops is a never-ending quest. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just looking for a change in scenery, these 10 photogenic railfanning spots — from rugged mountains to scenic waterways and cityscapes — provide exceptional opportunities. Of […]
