On July 23, 1966, New York Central set a new U.S. railroad speed record when jet-powered RDC M-497, dubbed the Pride of the New York Central, hit 183.85 mph on a 24-mile tangent section of 26-year-old joined rail between Butler, Ind. and Stryker, Ohio. The RDC sported cylindrical wheels in place of normal tapered-tread wheels, […]
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada State Railroad Museum will be hosting its “Star Spangled Steam Up” during the Fourth of July weekend, July 3-6, 2025. The headliner during the event will be a guest appearance by Nevada County Narrow Gauge 2-6-0 No. 5, Tahoe, returning to the museum for the first time since the 2022 […]
Elevated crossing gate towers were once common sights at busy road intersections. The compact and fascinating structures faded from the railroad scene during the 1940s and 1950s as automatic crossing gates became more widely used. The role of the towers was simple, yet important. Keeping watch from his lofty perch, the crossing tender warned motorists […]
For the dedicated photographer looking for quality over quantity, finding the perfect location to capture railroading against stunning backdrops is a never-ending quest. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just looking for a change in scenery, these 10 photogenic railfanning spots — from rugged mountains to scenic waterways and cityscapes — provide exceptional opportunities. Of […]
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 and the railroad’s diesel honoring Abraham Lincoln will make a round trip between Cheyenne and Denver in July, with a public whistle-stop appearance in Greeley, Colo., in each direction. The railroad will also auction off four cab rides to support the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in […]
How much a railroad charges to move freight depends largely upon the weight of the cargo. Large shippers maintain in-plant track scales and weigh each car — knowing the weight simplifies the paperwork involved in billing the shipment Other shippers rely on the railroad’s own track scales, which are usually located along a through yard […]
ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk Southern’s Norfolk & Western heritage locomotive, ES44AC No. 8103, will take part in the 75th anniversary celebration for Class J 4-8-4 No. 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the museum has announced. The event is set for May 30-31, 2025, at the museum in Roanoke. “This is a powerful homecoming,” […]
Railroads spend a lot of time worrying about clearances. One low bridge or a narrow tunnel will limit the kinds of cars able to move across that line. To sort out which cars can operate on a given line, the Association of American Railroads categorizes freight cars based on their outside dimensions. The AAR cross-section […]
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — The 2025 National Train Day on May 10 became the perfect opportunity for the Ohio Railway Museum (ORM) to unveil its plans for the future. In a presentation by ORM President William (Bill) DeVelin, the new development plan titled “Vision for the Future” showcased an initiative to revitalize both the current and […]
A look at international rail news of note: ‘Locomotion’ set for Greatest Gathering Locomotion No. 1, the first steam locomotive to operate on a public railway, has been added to the equipment slated to appear at ‘The Greatest Gathering,’ the three-day festival of historic equipment that is part of the United Kingdom’s Railway 200 celebration. […]
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This is what happens when a railroad has more resourcefulness than resources. Perpetually short of funds but needing a station in the southeastern Iowa community of Mediapolis, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific RR, simply added a roof, two doors, and five tiny windows to an aging boxcar. It wasn’t just the Rock Island that […]
