Railfanning Chicago: BNSF’s shoofly (updated)

Amtrak passenger train passes Metra commuter train in view from bridge across tracks.

Trains Senior Editor David Lassen spends much of his free time in the Chicago area. This is the first in a series of Trains.com articles on his favorite rail photography locations. UPDATED Dec. 15, 2021, with removal of shoofly. BNSF Railway’s celebrated “racetrack” — the triple-track mainline of the Chicago Division between downtown Chicago and […]

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Minnesota group unveils repainted Milwaukee Road E9

Maroon and orange diesel locomotive

MINNEAPOLIS — The Friends of the 261 has unveiled a new “retro” paint scheme for Milwaukee Road E9A 32A. The E unit, acquired by the Friends in 2019, is painted orange and maroon to fit with the majority of the Friends passenger fleet. Since Milwaukee Road E9s were only painted Union Pacific yellow, the group […]

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How to visit the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Visiting the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Chama, New Mexico, might be some of the most sacred ground for 1920s railroad and steam locomotive enthusiasts. That’s the western end of the mighty Cumbres & Toltec Scenic, and it’s the site of an authentic shop, yard, and depot. It’s the start of the dramatic eastbound climb across […]

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Restored CNJ steam locomotive to head benefit excursion

Man in cab of steam locomotiveC

MINERSVILLE, Pa. — Restored Central Railroad of New Jersey 0-6-0 No. 113 will head a special excursion on the Reading & Northern from Minersville to Port Clinton, Pa., and return on June 19. This 37-mile round trip trip is a benefit for popular R&N engineer Chris Bost, who is suffering from a nerve disease and […]

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Rio Grande Caboose on the Georgetown Loop

Rio Grande Caboose on the Georgetown Loop

One of Colorado’s spectacular tourist railroads, the Georgetown Loop, has added a special passenger car to its offerings. One of the railroaders there made the restoration of a rare end-cupola Rio Grande caboose a mission. Now it’s back in service. We ride along! […]

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Rio Grande Caboose on the Georgetown Loop

Rio Grande Caboose on the Georgetown Loop

One of Colorado’s spectacular tourist railroads, the Georgetown Loop, has added a special passenger car to its offerings. One of the railroaders there made the restoration of a rare end-cupola Rio Grande caboose a mission. Now it’s back in service. We ride along! […]

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