BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Firecrown Media has named veteran railroad journalist Bill Stephens as the new editor of Trains Magazine.
Stephens, a longtime Trains contributor and columnist, brings more than three decades of experience covering North American freight and passenger railroads, industry trends, and regulatory developments. His byline has been a fixture on Trains News Wire, TrainsPRO, and in the magazine’s monthly print edition, where his analytical reporting and in-depth special reports have made him one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
“I’ve been a Trains reader for more than 40 years, and the magazine has been an important part of my life. So I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Trains and build on its legacy of outstanding rail journalism,” Stephens said. “For generations, Trains has connected readers with the people, technology, and stories that make railroading such a fascinating industry. I look forward to continuing that tradition with our talented team and our network of contributors.”
Stephens, a former reporter, copy editor, and editorial writer for newspapers in New York and Massachusetts, has been writing for Trains since 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in history, both from St. Bonaventure University. Stephens and his wife, Lisa, reside in Massachusetts and have two grown children.
Stephens succeeds Carl A. Swanson, who became editor in May 2022 following the death of longtime editor Jim Wrinn.
“Carl has been a steady hand on the magazine’s throttle since taking over for Jim,” Stephens said. “He’s been Mr. Versatile, having scored an unprecedented hat trick over the years as editor of Classic Toy Trains, Model Railroader, and Trains. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Trains, founded in 1940, remains the largest-circulation magazine that covers the railroad industry.
Congratulations Bill! This is well deserved. I enjoy reading your in depth reporting on various subjects. I have been a subscriber since 1968.
But, who will now write the railroad analysis stories?
Congratulations Bill. Excellent news for Trains readers, particularly in view of the Firecrown acquisition. Hopefully, Bill will be able to stabilize the print and online editions of Trains Magazine. Hopefully, the online sites and tools will be sensibly organized giving quick and easy access to the content desired by the user.
This is great news. I was on the verge of cancelling my subscription but now I’m going to wait and see how he does in revamping the magazine. I have been a subscriber since 1967 and looking forward to more great rail coverage. Thank you Firecrown.
Congratulations Bill! Extremely well deserved. Very Smart decision by Firecrown!
I’m looking forward to your stamp on the magazine and your in-depth article on the list of cars refurbished by Amtrak this year, especially the Viewliner I count.
HOOK ‘EM, Bill. This is great news.
A great choice, Well deserved. Looking for great things to come Bill.
Congratulations, Bill! Great news. With your new editorial role, are we going to get less of your great reporting and articles?