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Transcontinental Railroad financial troubles After just 18 years of operation, there had been so many irregularities and so much concern over the Union Pacific’s ability to repay its federal loans that in 1887 Congress created the United States Pacific Railroad Commission to investigate the finances and structure of all the major railroads initially described as […]
UP crews built a switchback to reach a tunnel during construction. In many ways, the work done on the transcontinental railroad were feats of ingenuity and engineering. Union Pacific Importance of The Transcontinental Railroad In the 1850s, major railroad projects were viewed as projects for the public good, in much the same way we justify […]
Golden Spike National Historical Park is the new designation for the site at Promontory Summit, Utah. Trains: Jim Wrinn WASHINGTON — Federal legislation has changed the status of perhaps the most significant railroad historical site in the United States. The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a sweeping public lands bill on Tuesday. The bill, […]
Union Pacific directors pose at the 100th Meridian, 247 miles west of Omaha, Neb. There were still many miles to go to reach Ogden, Utah. Library of Congress collection Many railroads have had their share of drama and intrigue, but it is hard to recall another railroad with the narrative complexity and heroic scale of […]
The National Park Service replica of UP No. 119 moves at Promontory in June 2018. Trains: Jim Wrinn PROMONTORY SUMMIT, Utah — The first block of individual vehicle passes for May 10 has sold out in two weeks. A second block will be available starting at 10 a.m. Mountain Time on April 1, Spike 150, […]
See sample consists of the Overland Route’s City of San Francisco from 1936, 1939, 1947, and 1955. Download the information by clicking here. […]
See color movies that Dave’s friend Dick Wallin took during their 1969 visit to Horseshoe Curve. […]
See color movies that Dave’s friend Dick Wallin took during their 1969 visit to Horseshoe Curve. […]
The Spike 150 website already lists about 100 events across Utah. SALT LAKE CITY – While railroad enthusiasts and history buffs are anxiously awaiting news of when Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will hit the main line in May, officials in Utah say there are already dozens of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary […]
Tickets go on sale Monday for May 10, 2019 transcontinental railroad anniversary events. Trains: Jim Wrinn PROMONTORY SUMMIT, Utah — Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. mountain time Feb. 4 for 150th anniversary events at the Golden Spike National Historic Site on May 10, 2019. Participants can pay $20 per car that are good […]
The engineer of Canadian National 2-8-2 3503 enjoys the breeze as he hurries a freight east at Lorne Park, Ont., in August 1955, a year after the author’s experience on another CN Mikado some 700 miles to the northwest. W. H. N. Rossiter A steam locomotive fireman’s duties go far beyond the actual firing of the […]
As we mark our 250th issue, a familiar name returns to our masthead. Bob Keller, who served as associate editor of Classic Toy Trains for more than 20 years, returns as contributing editor. Bob joined the staff in 1996, following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, where he held the rank of major. In […]
