Why modern trains lack traditional signal lights

A diesel locomotive with a red and white striped nose rounds a curve in a forested rock cut

Soon after the first railroad bought the second locomotive it became apparent that some rules of the road were needed. There had to be a way to keep a following locomotive from running into the one ahead and to prevent head-on collisions when locomotives are moving toward each other on a single track. In the […]

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Mount Washington Cog Railway rescues hikers

red diesel-powered cog railway train heading up mountain.

MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. — It was the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the rescue on Saturday, Oct. 25. The railroad transported more than 20 hikers, who were not prepared for conditions, from atop New Hampshire’s Mount Washington back to the base of the mountain. A number of the group were showing signs of hypothermia when […]

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Ride the best New England’s railroads with Trains Magazine

A maroon railroad diesel crosses a short timber trestle

Join an editor from Trains Magazine on this fully private car adventure to spend eight days in the colorful fall season exploring the best of New England’s scenic railways and museums. Enjoy incredible adventures on narrow-gauge, cog railways, steam charters, and more! 8 Days, 7 Nights • October 2-9, 2026. Included in the tour: Conway […]

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T1 No. 5550 cylinders nearing completion

Unfinished T1 steam locomotive cylinder temporarily mounted to engine frame.

Pennsylvania Railroad No. 5550 continues to move toward reality. The T1 Trust reports that cylinder fabrication is now nearly 66% complete. Overall, the new locomotive is about 53% done. Two prototypes of the 4-4-4-4 duplex design were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1947. The Pennsy liked what they saw and between 1945 and […]

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Join the 2026 Trains tour of the Southwest

Silver and yellow locomotives at the front of a passenger train

2026 Southwestern Rail Adventure Embark on a fully private car journey through the majestic landscapes of the American Southwest, where red rock canyons and desert vistas come alive under endless blue skies. Discover iconic national parks, ancient pueblos, and vibrant local culture as you travel in comfort and style. Experience the spirit of the Southwest […]

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A fishy call in the night

Yellow and orange diesel locomotives switching a yard. A fishy call in the night.

Being a safety supervisor at a small regional railroad entailed more than being a statistician. When promoted to the position on the Maine Central in early 1982, I was part of a two-man team, tasked with promoting safety. This required meeting train crews, riding with them, learning the rudiments of their tasks; talking with engineering […]

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2026 Trains tour of Alaska announced

A pair of yellow and blue diesel locomotives among the fall scenery of Alaska

2026 Alaska by Rail Experience the “last frontier” by rail in the colorful month of September. Enjoy incredible scenery through Denali National Park and down the Kenai Peninsula. 10 Days, 9 Nights September 4-13, 2026 Experience the full length of the Alaska Railroad in Goldstar Class. Kenai Fjords Boat Excursion Denali National Park Excursion For […]

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A big paint job

Large black and grey steam locomotive in a park.

Two Union Pacific paint technicians from Jenks Shop in North Little Rock, Ark., spent 7 weeks in Omaha, Neb., repainting Big Boy No. 4023 displayed in Kenefick Park on the grounds of Lauritzen Gardens. The 4-8-8-4 along with DDA40X No. 6900 welcome travelers from their location above I-80. The project involved considerable sand blasting to […]

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Temple Lumber Co. No. 20 moves to a new home

Temple Lumber Co. No. 20 moves to a new home. Steam locomotive be hauled on highway trailer.

Yes, that was a steam locomotive traveling along Texas Route 224. Temple Lumber Co. No. 20 was moved 95 miles from Pineland to Rusk, Texas and its new home in the former Cotton Belt yard. The locomotive was acquired by the non-profit Southern Pine Locomotive Co. It will be restored and placed in a fresh […]

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2026 Trains tour of Colorado announced

Narrow gauge steam locomotive and train under blue skies

2026 Colorado Rockies by Rail tour Experience the rails of the west with our extensive tour exploring the best of Colorado railroads. This red and rocky historic setting provides the perfect backdrop for a specially curated, all-inclusive rail adventure of a lifetime. 7 days, 6 nights, June 2-8, 2026. Private Car Charters on: • Cumbres […]

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2026 Trains tour of Switzerland announced

Train with red passenger cars on curving stone bridge leading to tunnel

Join Trains Magazine June 8-20, 2026 for an unforgettable rail tour of the magic and wonder of Switzerland’s mountains and railways. Organized by our tour partner, Special Interest Tours, this 11-night, 12-day adventure includes: Rail excursions include: Bernina Express Gotthard Panorama Express Furka steam train Oberwald-Realp Gornergrat excursion by rail Excursion to Rochers-de-Naye by rail […]

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