Action may be required on your Trains.com account in order to continue accessing content. Click here to learn more.
After 80 operating years as one of the most glamorous transport agencies of the old American West, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, running from Reno to Carson City and Minden, Nev., closed its books on May 31 and on that day its last train rolled down a clear track into the realm of legend. To […]
MAUI COUNTY, Hawaii — Wild fires continue to take a toll across the country. Earlier this week a brush fire consumed the shops of the Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad — the Sugar Cane Train — near Kaanapali. Lost in the fire were two steam locomotives and numerous passenger cars. A diesel locomotive was also […]
There is a special bond shared by fathers, sons, and trains. My father and I share a passion for riding and photographing trains. This spring, my father’s health took a bad turn. To cheer him up, we chatted about his early experiences riding trains and our many travels together. I mentioned how the New York, […]
CHICAGO — A text and email alert received overnight by passengers ticketed on Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr departing Denver Monday, July 28, warned, “Train 6 will have reduced seating capacity due to unplanned equipment maintenance needs. Passengers may have difficulty finding seats. Passengers are encouraged to rebook travel if possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.” […]
Like his father, the Midwest Central Railroad became a siren for Kendall Osier, who now serves multiple mechanical and operating positions at the 3-foot gauge railroad in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Alongside his wife, Lauren, the 24-year-old is also the co-founder and president of the Midwest Narrow Gauge Preservation Society, a fledgling non-profit whose mission is […]
CHAMA, N.M. — The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic will host a five-day celebration Aug. 13-17 marking the 100th anniversary of the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s K-36 steam locomotives, delivered from Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. Nine of the 10 locomotives still exist; five are at the C&TSRR, with four still in regular operation. A […]
A century can seem like a long time, especially given the accelerating rate of change that oppresses all of us. At the same time, 100 years is one long lifetime. Almost 100,000 now-living Americans were on this Earth in 1925, the year a group of Black Pullman employees organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters […]
Autumn is a great time for railroad adventure. Give me days with cool air and sunny skies or days when a gentle rain glosses colored foliage. Decades ago, I’d embark on week-long trips in the Fall to explore my favorite railroads. I’d arrange my itinerary to make the most of the autumn foliage, carefully planning […]
JEFFERSON, La. — The Louisiana Steam Train Association, owner and operator of Southern Pacific 2-8-2 No. 745, must relocate from its long-time home because of an upcoming construction project, and is seeking support for that significant and expensive effort. The Association has been formally notified by Ochsner Medical Center that it needs to vacate the […]
HARTFORD, Wis. — Soo Line No. 1003 will make its 2025 debut while also marking the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. A partnership between the chapter and the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association — the non-profit organization that maintains and operates the locomotive — calls for the 1913-built Mikado […]
CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has announced plans for the 2025 edition of RailFest, its event celebrating heritage railroading, community, and mountain adventure. RailFest 2025: A Return to the Rails, is set for Sept. 12-14. Planned events include: — A “Sunset on the Mountains” train departing Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. […]
In every issue News, p. 4 Class I railroads take a fresh look at mergers, and Amtrak cuts management jobs Bill Stephens, p. 10 How do railroads get into our blood? Preservation, p. 46 Mt. Rainier Scenic copes after a devastating fire, and the T1 Trust project has a new home Brian Solomon, p. 48 […]
