Preview: Pullman National Monument Visitor Center opens

Multi-story brick building with center clock tower

CHICAGO — Mirroring a song from the hit musical “Hamilton,” the formal opening of the Pullman National Monument Visitors Center on Chicago’s South Side will give participants a sense of “the room where it happened.” The “room,” in this case, is the long-shuttered Clock Tower Administration Building and grounds that were the birthplace of assembly-line […]

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Western Maryland Scenic No. 1309 to operate by mid-December, executive director says

Steam train

CUMBERLAND, Md. — Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 will operate for Polar Express rides in December, if not sooner, the railroad’s new executive director says. Wesley Heinz told the Cumberland Times-News that “Sometime between today and Polar Express [rides scheduled for Dec. 17], No. 1309 will make it out onto the line. We […]

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19th century steam locomotives operating in the West

Two old-time steam locomotives double-head on a passenger train.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic is celebrating its belated (by 1 year due to Covid-19) 50th anniverary with a great gathering of pre-1900 steam locomotives. The event began last weekend and continues through this coming Sunday. Here’s what Editor Jim Wrinn has seen so far.   […]

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Cab roof acquisition allows PA restoration project to move forward

Section of diesel locomotive rook on ground next to engine being rebuilt

FRISCO, Texas — A critical part in the restoration of Santa Fe Alco PA 59L at the Museum of the American Railroad has arrived in Texas. The cab roof and front windshield from a FP4A arrived Aug. 16 and was set down next to the legendary locomotive. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Ohio provided […]

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News Photos: Locomotive leaves Jacksonville display site for restoration

Lomotive being lifted by cranes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former Atlantic Coast Line locomotive which has long been displayed in Jacksonville — most recently outside the city’s convention center, a former railroad station — has begun its journey back to operating status. The Florida Times-Union reports work on Monday and Tuesday removed the locomotive from outside the Prime F. Osborn […]

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Maine Narrow Gauge eyes two more locomotives in steam

Small black steam locomotive

PORTLAND, Maine – Looking to the future, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum plans to restore two more of its 2-foot gauge steam locomotives to operating condition, in addition to two currently in service. The announcement was made at the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum’s summer picnic earlier this month, where two […]

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Heinz appointed as Western Maryland Scenic’s executive director

Man in red shirt

CUMBERLAND, Md. — Wesley Heinz, who had been in the position on an interim basis, has been appointed as executive director of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad by the heritage railroad’s board of directors. His background in preservation, fundraising, and marketing includes his previous position as executive director at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. […]

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Pullman National Monument grand opening to feature private-car tours

Dark green heavyweight private car with rear platform

CHICAGO — Tours of three privately owned railcars built by the Pullman Co. or Pullman-Standard will be offered on Saturday, Sept. 4, and Sunday, Sept. 5, at Metra’s 111th Street/Pullman station as part of the gand opening weekend of the Pullman National Monument. Amtrak P42 locomotive No. 161, which wears the Phase I paint scheme […]

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East Broad Top notebook: Work continues to restore steam locomotive, improve passenger-car fleet

Small diesel and flatcar on track under repair

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — Progress on the rebirth of the East Broad Top Railroad continues on multiple fronts as part of ongoing efforts since the narrow gauge railroad was acquired by the non-profit EBT Foundation in February 2020. Some updates: — Work continues on restoring 2-8-2 steam locomotive No. 16 (Baldwin, 1916) to service, possibly […]

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East Broad Top group acquires 1934 standard-gauge PRR boxcar

Boxcar being lowered by cranes

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. – The East Broad Top Railroad reached one of its preservation goals Thursday, Aug. 19, with the arrival of a period standard-gauge, 40-foot steel boxcar to illustrate how the historic common-carrier narrow gauge line once hauled larger cars on interchange trucks. Loaded on a flatbed trailer on Wednesday at the Kiski Junction […]

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News Photo: Big Boy departs Houston

Steam locomotive and diesel pulling yellow passenger train

HOUSTON — After a display day on Tuesday, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 resumed its 2021 tour on Wednesday, resuming its trek toward New Orleans. The 4-8-8-4 and its train is show here leaving Houston on Wednesday’s move to Beaumont, Texas. Today, it is scheduled to continue to Livonia, La., where it will lay […]

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Indiana museum receives donation of ex-EJ&E locomotive

Orange locomotive next to color position signals

NORTH JUDSON, Ind. — The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will receive a rebuilt former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern locomotive, originally an SD9,  from its current owner, the Chesapeake & Indiana Railroad, the museum has announced. The locomotive is currently operational and will continue to be used by the Chesapeake & Indiana until it is ready […]

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