10 historic rail stations to visit

Inside the big waiting room at a train station

At the turn of the 20th century, stunning, cathedral-like structures were commonly served by passenger-rail carriers. These stations were hubs of activity in major cities, from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles and in between. The hustle and bustle within the walls reflected the height of passenger-rail service in the United States at the […]

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Railroad memories on vinyl records

Group photo of railroad-themed LPs on white background

Today, it’s easier than ever to railfan without leaving the comfort of your home. Kalmbach Media is one of several companies that offers DVDs on various prototype subjects. If you prefer seeing trains in real time, you can watch any number of railfan webcams, such as the one Trains magazine has at Rochelle, Ill. This […]

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Trains Live — Rochelle Railroad Park

Bob and Nastassia with train in background

Trains LIVE — 10-12-2022 — Imagine a place that sees the passing of dozens of trains each day. This place is a safe, welcoming location for railfans to watch the trains. Its elevated location provides great photo opportunities. There place offers amenities such as a shelter with picnic tables, plenty of benches, and restrooms. Such […]

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Burlington Northern and the Grain Industry

A train going past a grain site

    Sure thing, Angela. Since the Baltimore & Ohio began hauling flour from Ellicott’s Mills to Baltimore in 1830 — grain, flour, and seeds have been an important part of railroading. Grain moved in boxcars for decades, but in the early 1960s, Southern Railway’s new, 100-ton — Big John — covered hopper revolutionized grain […]

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Trains LIVE — Joseph Lister

two men standing together

Trains LIVE — Joseph Lister Trains LIVE — 09-28-2022 — The Mayo Clinic ranks among the world’s preeminent medical facilities. As Doctors Will and Charlie Mayo expanded the care-giving clinic started by their parents in 1864, little did they realize that their reputation would draw people in need of help from all corners of the […]

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Trains Presents — Iowa Interstate 6988

black train on track with a lot of smoke

Come out to Iowa for a mainline steam run in June 2022 as the Central States Steam Preservation Association moves QJ-class 2-10-2 No. 6988 from Newton, IA to Silvis, IL over the rails of the Iowa Interstate Railroad.  The engine is heading east with 2000 tons of freight to the former Rock Island steam shops, […]

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Trains LIVE — Rail Safety Week!

Rail safety photo for Trains LIVE

Trains LIVE — Rail Safety Week! Trains LIVE — 09-21-2022 — This week, Bob Lettenberger talks with Gary Koerner, Wisconsin state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, about how you can stay safe around trains and Rail Safety Week. Rail Safety Week (Sept. 19-25, 2022) is an annual event calling our attention to what could be a […]

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Trains LIVE — Bill Stephens

Bob and Bill Trains LIVE

Trains LIVE — Bill Stephens Trains LIVE — 09-14-2022 — As the U.S railroad labor situation reaches a boiling point, Bob talks with Bill Stephens, Trains business correspondent, who explains the issues at hand and looks at the negotiations from a historic perspective. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Trains LIVE is a regular video segment, recorded live and unscripted […]

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Trains LIVE — Train Sim World 3

Bob

Trains LIVE — Train Sim World 3 Trains LIVE — 08-31-2022 — this week is hosted by Trains Associate Editor Bob Lettenberger! Bob interviews key people responsible for Dovetail Games’ latest release: Train Sim World 3! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Trains LIVE is a regular video segment, recorded live and unscripted from Kalmbach Media. The series began in […]

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Amtrak Coach-class travel aboard the Empire Builder

Amtrak looks to expand its services and routes across the nation, including the Upper Midwest. In this candid look at Coach-class travel aboard the Empire Builder between St. Paul, Minn., and Milwaukee, Wis., you’ll discover how easy and comfortable it is to travel about the United States by passenger train. First-time traveler Gerry Leone has […]

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