California museum receives first Metrolink locomotive

Blue and white diesel locomotive pulling bi-level commuter cars.

FULLERTON, Calif. — Metrolink, the Los Angeles-area commuter rail service, has donated its first locomotive to the Fullerton Train Museum for preservation. The locomotive, No. 851, began life as an EMD F59PH, but was rebuilt to an F59PHR. It was delivered to the museum on Jan. 25, where it  will be on static display. The […]

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Santa Fe No. 3415 rebuild enters final phase

steam train in field for charter

ABILENE, Kan. — Former Santa Fe 4-6-2 No. 3415 has entered the final phases of its Federal Railroad Administration 1,472-day inspection and rebuilding. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad plans to have the locomotive operational by Labor Day 2027. “Santa Fe 3415 is an important icon for Abilene, the State of Kansas, and the storied […]

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Yakima Valley Trolley back in operation

Red and cream trolley car under wire coming around a curve.

YAKIMA, Wash. — At its regular meeting on Jan. 20, the Yakima City Council voted six to one in favor of renewing the Yakima Valley Trolley operating agreement for five years. The Council had postponed the decision at its Dec. 9, 2025, meeting, leaving the trolley association closed as of Jan. 1. In the time […]

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Colebrookdale Railroad introduces sensory car

Green heavyweight combine car.

BOYERTOWN, Pa. — The Valhalla, a 1924 Canadian National coach, has become another first for the Colebrookdale Railroad. The car is now a one-of-a-kind, barrier-free, sensory-friendly classroom on rails. “For 15 years, our nonprofit has established a record of doing things differently in service to our community and economic development mission,” says Nathaniel Guest, executive […]

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North Carolina Railroad Museum granted $280,000 for exhibits

Man standing inside a baggage car. North Carolina Railroad Museum granted $280,000 for exhibits.

NEW HILL, N.C. — The North Carolina Railroad Museum, home of the New Hope Valley Railway, was recently awarded $280,216 in federal grants to support interactive exhibit development. The new exhibits will illustrate North Carolina’s railroad history and its role in transportation innovation. The Institute of Museum and Library Services grants will support the creation […]

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American Freedom Train No. 1 unveiled after cosmetic restoration

Black steam locomotive with U.S. flags in background. American Freedom Train No. 1 unveiled.

BALTIMORE — Following the completion of a year-long cosmetic restoration, American Freedom Train locomotive No. 1 was unveiled to the public in a special ceremony at the B&O Railroad Museum on Jan. 12. The engine pulled the American Freedom Train in the Northeast during its 1975-76 tour commemorating the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the nation’s […]

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Suspect arrested in locomotive fire at Catskill Mountain Railroad

KINGSTON, N.Y. — A 25-year-old Kingston man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Jan. 1 fire that damaged an out-of-service Catskill Mountain Railroad locomotive. The Kingston Police Department said in a press release that John J. Dwyer had charged with criminal mischief in the third degree, a felony, and arson in the […]

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Young Guns in Preservation: Aiden Drohr

Young individual in front of a displayed steam locomotive

At the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Aiden Drohr wears multiple hats. He serves as an exhibit tour guide and an operator of the 2-foot gauge railroad. The 42-acre facility also hosts the 21-year-old’s internship as he pursues his academics in history and museum studies. How did you get involved in rail preservation? […]

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