How steam locomotives work
May 16, 2023

How steam locomotives work

Unlike modern machines, the steam locomotive — which underwent few fundamental changes in 125 years of development — openly displays…

Read more
Wrecking derricks
May 15, 2023

Wrecking derricks

Wrecking derricks were once the kings of maintenance-of-way equipment, used mainly to move derailed rolling stock but also for such…

Read more
Couplers
May 11, 2023

Couplers

The next time you watch a quartet of six-motor diesels go grinding past with an 11,000-ton unit coal train, consider…

Read more
Whistle signals
May 11, 2023

Whistle signals

Before radio communication came into wide use in the 1960s, a locomotive’s whistle was an important tool in conveying information…

Read more