Santa Fe 4-6-4 3460, the road’s only streamlined steam engine, nicknamed the “Blue Goose,” stands next to an E1 diesel during a display of new trains at Dearborn Station, Chicago, in February 1938. Alexander Maxwell photo […]
Santa Fe on display
Tag: History
Homefront supply line
Railroads were the primary means of moving men and materiel within the United States during World War II. Here a freight conductor walks beside flatcars loaded with M3 Lee tanks at an unknown location. U.S. Army Signal Corps photo […]
The history of toy train lithography
During the first three decades of the 20th century, most toy train manufacturers simulated the appearance of prototype railroad cars by decorating them with realistic heralds and complex decoration. The secret to producing these cars economically was a process called lithography, in which images are transferred from smooth stone plates to another surface, such as […]
Lionel’s No. 9186 Conrail porthole caboose
Railroads changed almost endlessly in 20th-century America, due to bankruptcies, mergers, and takeovers. Regional lines combined to improve efficiency, retain customers, and upgrade their rosters; larger ones blended their networks of rails and brought employees together to remain profitable and counter big rivals. Among the most significant of those changes was the formation of Conrail […]
National Railroad Hall of Fame honors trio of execs with Norfolk Southern ties
ROANOKE, Va. — The National Railroad Hall of Fame inducted former Norfolk Southern CEO David Goode, the late Southern Railway President Bill Brosnan, and the late Jim McClellan, Norfolk Southern’s longtime head of strategic planning, during a Thursday evening ceremony in Roanoke. “David, having you as counsel has meant a great deal to me,” NS […]
East Broad Top Railroad announces Descendants Reunion, June 13–14
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The East Broad Top Railroad has announced a Descendants Reunion Weekend for June 13-14, 2026. The families of former railroad workers, coal company employees, and others connected with the narrow-gauge railroad are invited to return and celebrate their shared heritage. Rockhill Furnace and Robertsdale, Pa. — communities with deep connections to […]
Menards O gauge Reagan House
Menards has released a structure with a presidential twist: a house based on Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home. Reagan’s primary boyhood home is located at 816 S. Hennepin Ave. in Dixon, Ill., This two-story, white frame house is where he and his family lived from 1920 to 1923. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, […]
Solomon to lead Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania photo session
STRASBURG, Pa. — Railroad photographer, author, and Trains columnist Brian Solomon will lead a photo session at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, March 10. The program — Railroad Photography: The Steam Locomotive — runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Using the museum’s unique collection of historic steam locomotives, built between the 1830s and […]
C&O Historical Society George Washington Train Show announced
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society will host its annual George Washington Train Show on March 21-22. The show takes place in two venues: the C&O Railway Heritage Center (701 Main St.) and the Clifton Forge Armory (724 Commercial Ave.). A $5 admission grants access to both venues. The show is […]
News photos: MBTA debuts New York Central heritage unit
BOSTON — The third of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s three heritage locomotives, this one honoring the New York Central, has entered service today (Monday, March 2). The three locomotives, honoring predecessors to today’s MBTA commuter rail service, are the last three F40PH-3C units in a group of 37 to be overhauled. The heritage units […]
Documentary looks at Iowa Interstate’s first 40 years
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A new documentary about the Iowa Interstate Railroad marking the railroad’s 40th anniversary is now available at the company’s YouTube page. “Revival and Redemption: Iowa Interstate at 40” is a 34-minute feature looking at the railroad’s growth from startup in 1984 to its current regional role linking Iowa and Illinois with […]
National Railroad Hall of Fame selects contractor for building project
GALESBURG, Ill. — The National Railroad Hall of Fame has selected the contractor to build its visitor center and expects to break ground on the project soon, with the goal of opening in 2027. Hein Construction of Peoria, Ill., was the unanimous choice of the hall’s board of directors, the Hall of Fame said in […]
