SACKETS HARBOR N.Y. — As he approached his final days in recent weeks, Ross E. Rowland could look back secure in the knowledge that U.S. steam — indeed even the entire rail preservation scene— owes him a substantial debt. From his Golden Spike exhibition train of 1969 to the American Freedom Train of 1975-76 to […]
Train Topic: Preservation
Oregon museum receives TriMet light rail vehicle
BROOKS, Ore. — The Oregon Electric Railway Museum has added one of the first MAX light rail vehicles to its collection, a donation from Portland-area transit agency TriMet. MAX LRV No. 101 was part of the original set of equipment used to launch TriMet’s light rail service on Sept. 5, 1986, reviving a form of […]
Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 1385 homecoming
Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, is celebrating the return of Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 1385 after more than a ten-year restoration effort. Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson was there to witness and capture No. 1385 as it arrived back at the museum on July 18, 2025, to the excitement […]
East Troy Electric Railroad celebrates Milwaukee Day
Come along with Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson, as he visits The East Troy Electric Railroad in the summer of 2025. Located in East Troy, Wis., the railroad (completed in 1907) was originally part of The Milwaukee Electric Railroad and Light Company (TMER&L). When the company planned to abandon the line in 1939, East Troy […]
News photo: A ‘Big’ deal in Colorado
GREELEY, Colo. — Union Pacific’s Big Boy began its only scheduled trip of 2025 today (July 17), heading from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Denver as part of a round trip for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. The 4-8-8-4 is accompanied by the railroad’s Abraham Lincoln diesel, No. 1616. Today’s servicing stop […]
Milwaukee No. 261 set for two October excursions
CHANHASSEN, Minn. — Former Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 No. 261 will make its first extended excursion in three years in October, powering “Harvest BBQ Express” trains on the Twin Cities & Western Railroad, Oct. 4-5. Trips along a portion of the route of Milwaukee’s Olympian Hiawatha will originate at Chanhassen, Minn., with six classes of accommodations […]
Nevada Northern launches fundraising sweepstakes
ELY, NEVADA — With all three of its restored steam locomotives down for repair and the busy summer season in full-swing, Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nev., has launched a “Steam Up Sweepstakes” to fund needed repairs and restore its iconic locomotives to full steam before the season slips away. More than $100,000 in prizes […]
C&NW No. 1385 returns to Mid-Continent museum
NORTH FREEDOM, Wis. — The long wait for Chicago & North Western steam locomotive No. 1385 to return to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum is over. The Alco 4-6-0 returned home Saturday, July 12, after 12 years at Spec Machine LLC in Middleton, Wis., and a multi-day move from Middleton, sparking a homecoming celebration at the […]
DDA40X to power September fundraising trips
SILVIS, Ill. — Railroading Heritage of Midwest America will operate two days of fundraising trips Sept. 20-21 with Union Pacific DDA40X No. 6936, with proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations promoting rail safety, as well as the organization restoring two Chinese-built 2-10-2 locomotives that have previously been part of fundraising efforts. The “Quad Cities Rocket” trips will […]
Genesee Valley Transportation’s PA locomotive makes debut
SCRANTON, Pa — For the first time in more than four decades, an Alco PA locomotive has hauled a passenger train in the United States. Genesee Valley Transportation’s Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad hosted an invitation-only excursion today (Friday, July 11, 2025) marking the completion of restoration on PA4 No. 190, the former Santa Fe and Delaware & […]
Former Baltimore & Ohio business car donated to Western Maryland Scenic
CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has made a notable addition to its excursion fleet with the generous donation of former Baltimore & Ohio business car No. 905, Silver Spring. The donation is the result of a collaborated effort by Kelly Lynch, executive director of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and a […]
Little River Railroad to commemorate 20th year in Coldwater
COLDWATER, Mich. — The Little River Railroad is pulling out all the stops to commemorate its 20th season operating out of Coldwater. An anniversary celebration, scheduled July 26 and 27, will include steam-powered excursions to Quincy, Mich., family-friendly activities, and a guest appearance by Nickel Plate Road No. 765. The 2-8-4 will be at the […]
