Top 10 Burlington Northern locomotives

On June 10, 1993, a Burlington Northern SD60M and SD40-2 take an eastbound freight along the Missouri River and into Lombard Canyon just east of Toston, Mont.

On June 10, 1993, a Burlington Northern SD60M and SD40-2 take an eastbound freight along the Missouri River and into Lombard Canyon just east of Toston, Mont. Tom Danneman Learn about Trains Art Director Tom Danneman’s favorite Burlington Northern Railroad Company diesel locomotives, presented in no particular order. The story of Burlington Northern has been […]

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33 railroad places you need to visit in the East

A Florida East Coast train.

A Florida East Coast train. TRAINS: Tom Danneman A version of this list was previously published in the November 2015 issue of Trains Magazine. 1 RAHWAY, N.J. Google Image search Six tracks abreast proclaim speed and intensity on the Northeast Corridor. 2 THURMOND, W.VA. Trip Advisor entry Classic 20th century coal and railroad town deep in the […]

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Remembering the Nickel Plate Road

As an eastbound clears in the distance, Nickel Plate 779, Lima’s last 2-8-4, and a sister placed five cars back because of bridge weight restrictions, leave NH Tower near North East, Pa., in March 1957.

As an eastbound clears in the distance, Nickel Plate 779, Lima’s last 2-8-4, and a sister placed five cars back because of bridge weight restrictions, leave NH Tower near North East, Pa., in March 1957. Jim Shaughnessy History and major events of the Nickel Plate Road The New York, Chicago & St. Louis opened between […]

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Research sources for prototype railroad information

CNW Crystal Lake 1960s

Not everyone has a fabulous railroad library to work from, but the library at the Model Railroader offices didn’t get me as far as you’d think. Following is a short list of places I’ve found amazing stuff when looking for research: • Most railroads have a historical society, so it’s good to have an up-to-date […]

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A young railfan’s “lucky mistake”

NYC4208

Not a Berkshire, but not bad: New York Central PA diesel No. 4208 and an unidentified PB hurry through Willoughby, Ohio, on Dec. 19, 1954. J. W. Swanberg I grew up in Connecticut, but my parents came from Minnesota, so all our relatives were there. Dad drove us to the Twin Cities at least once a […]

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Remembering Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives

A close up black and white photo of a PRR 1737

Classic Trains editors are celebrating the heritage, history, and lore of famed (and infamous) railroads. In January 2020, we celebrate the Pennsylvania Railroad. Please enjoy a collection of locomotive images located in the David P. Morgan Library archives at Kalmbach Media that include the Pennsy’s iconic locomotives and classic scenic photos. You might also enjoy […]

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Tilford Yard

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Three Seaboard Coast Line U30Bs work at Atlanta’s Tilford Yard in 1980. The railroad had 19 such locomotives on its roster, inherited from both Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line. All rode on EMD trucks from trade-ins. Jim Wrinn photo […]

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Transition era exemplified

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After 0-6-0 No. 1211 made up the train, two GP9s ease Advance Overnight 372 out of Southern Pacific’s freight terminal at 4th and Berry streets in San Francisco. The piggybacker will follow the Del Monte down the Peninsula on the first leg of its run to L.A. William D. Middleton photo […]

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Virginia vista

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One of Norfolk & Western’s streamlined J-class 4-8-4s leads the Memphis–WashingtonTennessean east between Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va., in 1954. Southern Railway diesels brought the train to Bristol, Tenn., and will take over again at Lynchburg. W.A. Akin Jr. photo […]

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Winter wonderland

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The eastbound Western Star kicks up snow as it approaches a freight at the west end of the Tintah, Minn., siding on February 14, 1969. The Star carried Nos. 27 and 28 at the time. Howard S. Patrick photo […]

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