In this free, 40-page download, we explore some of the most complex railroad locations in the United States. With multiple tracks, rough terrain, and dense traffic, these spots make for some great train-watching locations. Download this free guide to read about: Horseshoe Curve, Conrail’s mountainous railroad with multiple track tunnels and steep grades The Chicago […]
Section: Railroads
Winter on the Rails
In the depths of winter, train-watching can take on a whole new dimension, while railroad operations become more complicated. In this five-part series, we take you from the freezing temperatures of Alaska, to the Canadian tundra, to Wisconsin’s snowy terrain, with stories of how railroaders and rail fans have braved the elements. This free download […]
Washington’s unique rail bridge
“Unique bridge: A Puget Sound landmark,” in the February 2018 Trains, tells the story of the Chambers Bay lift bridge, a one-of-a-kind “direct vertical lift bridge” designed by Joseph Strauss, who went on to become chief engineer for the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is located in Steilacoom, Wash., just south of Tacoma, on the […]
Charlie’s Trackside Postcards: Rail Service at Hull-Oakes Mill
It looks like Charlie has been combing through viewer comments and inquires! I think one viewer will be especially pleased to see that Chas was more than happy to address his question about the Taking Care of Business episode featuring Hull-Oakes Lumber Co. — all in the form of this Trackside Postcard! […]
Drew’s Trackside Adventures: Episode 37 – Coal Country Conquest
After racing and chasing into Yellowhead Pass, Drew, Mike, and KJ now embark on a Coal Country Conquest in Alberta, Canada. That’s where they discover rugged railroad operations routing over CN’s Mountain Park and Foothills Subdivisions. The guys traverse tough terrain to capture coal and aggregate trains charging up steep grades, along mountain streams, and […]
Why does locomotive smoke change color?
Cass Scenic Railroad’s Heisler No. 6 climbs a grade puffing smoke and steam into a gray cloud. Steve Sweeney Q Why is it that one locomotive, on the same day, may have black exhaust, white/light gray, or at times almost invisible exhaust coming from the smoke stack? – Russ Gray, Kernersville, N.C. A The color […]
Trains Presents: 2017 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Join the Trains Magazine staff as we follow the 2017 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train from northern Illinois into southeastern Wisconsin. You’ll see it at Rondout, Ill., and Pleasant Prairie, Milwaukee, and Wauwatosa, Wis. Only from Trains! […]
WM local from Elkins
Pacific 203 leads Western Maryland’s Elkins, W.Va.–Cumberland, Md., local train along the North Branch of the Potomac River near Westernport, Md., in June 1952. H. F. Houck photo […]
Genesis of a debt to be repaid
Before starting their seven-stop trek to Providence, the two Alco PAs on New Haven train 531 prepare to follow the FL9s on the Merchants Limited (left in photo) out of South Station, Boston, in 1961. Chris Burger In the early 1960s, I was a student at Providence College in Rhode Island’s capital city, commuting on […]
Winter Rail Memories
Celebrate the winter season with Classic Trains’ compilation of Winter Rail Memories, featuring four articles and stunning images showcasing some of our favorite snow-filled stories. In Long Way Home for Christmas, author David Ingles recounts his trip home from college in 1965, when he ventured on a rail odyssey from central Illinois, to Dearborn, Mich., […]
Alex Mayes’ top 10 railfan spots
Westbound CSX train Q261 climbs the Sand Patch grade at Foley Overlook, near Fairhope, Pa., on Oct. 9, 2011. Three photos, Alex Mayes Trying to come up with just 10 favorite train-watching spots posed a challenge for me, as I have a lot of favorite spots, all of which have their particular characteristics. For this […]
Drew Halverson’s top 10 hot spots
A westbound BNSF intermodal train leans into the famous elevated curves at Siberia, Calif., in April 2014. Four photos, Drew Halverson I witnessed an endless array of trains while growing up in the Midwest. Despite the diversity of railroads, the surrounding landscape was lacking. I needed mountains and deserts to go with the ubiquitous cityscapes […]
