Connecticut museum plans to restore 2-6-2

Black steam engine running along green field. Railroad Museum of New England to restore 2-6-2.

THOMASTON, Conn. — The Railroad Museum of New England is launching a fundraising campaign to restore Sumter & Choctaw Railway 2-6-2 No. 103 to service. No. 103 has been part of the RMNE collection since 1986 and was one of the first heritage steam locomotives to operate in the Northeast, from 1962 to 1975. No. 103 […]

Read More…

N&W No. 611’s ‘dress rehearsal’ on the Buckingham Branch Railroad

Streamlined steam locomotive at the platform of a passenger station.

GOSHEN, Va. — A new show on a new stage prompted a “dress rehearsal” for a seasoned star veteran. Norfolk & Western steam locomotive No. 611 operated on the Buckingham Branch Railroad, Sept. 28-30, in preparation for its fall excursions. The J-class 4-8-4 is scheduled to run the Shenandoah Valley Limited as part of the […]

Read More…

Never too many Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge books

Man sleeps in steam locomotive cab

Does the world need another book about the Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge?     Someone might reasonably ask. Of all railroads with a literature disproportionate to its relative economic importance, the D&RGW is Exhibit A. To underscore the point, I stopped into the Kalmbach Media library to do some rudimentary research: when […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of October 2nd 2023

a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of October 2nd 2023   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of October 2nd […]

Read More…

Preview October and November 2023 CTT content

plastic yellow and black locomotive on train layout

We’re always adding new content to our website. Here are some recent items you may have missed. The Lionel 700E Hudson steam engine Polar Express layout build video A compilation video from CTT’s five-day layout build. American Flyer store display photo from the 1950s What’s the story behind these photos? Senior Editor Roger Carp tells […]

Read More…

Preview October and November 2023 Garden Railways content

model caboose with figure and dog heading away from you on a garden railway

While we may no longer be printing Garden Railways magazine, we’re adding new content to Trains.com every week! Here’s a few recent items, and a preview of what’s coming in the next month. Become a Trains.com member so you don’t miss any of this great content! If you have a story suggestion, email editor@gardenrailways.com   […]

Read More…

Largest 2-8-2 Mikado: Great Northern’s O-8 class

Largest 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive in yard

For much of the first half of the 20th century, the 2-8-2 Mikado was the dominant freight locomotive of the steam era. With its medium weight and medium power, it became the go-to, general-purpose engine — sort of the GP38 of its era. Consider how the World War I-era United States Railroad Administration divvied up […]

Read More…

Historic ‘Flying Scotsman’ locomotive involved in slow-speed accident

British steam train passing through field.

AVIEMORE, Scotland — At least five people were injured as landmark British steam locomotive Flying Scotsman was involved in what is described as a “slow speed” collision Friday at a heritage railway in the Scottish Highlands, the Guardian newspaper reports. The incident occurred about 7:10 p.m. Friday on the Strathspey Railway, which was preparing for […]

Read More…

‘In Cab Experiences’ with N&W No. 611 offered on the Buckingham Branch Railroad

Streamlined steam locomotive sits on a siding during the early evening.

GOSHEN, Va. — Ever since its 2015 restoration and return to service, “In Cab Experiences” have been part of the norm for Norfolk & Western steam locomotive No. 611. Participants are given the chance to learn and either operate or fire on the J-class 4-8-4 under supervision by the engine crew. The program — which […]

Read More…

Young Guns in Preservation: Ryan Gerhardt

Young crew member posing in front of steam locomotive.

Ryan Gerhardt has taken on multiple management roles on the Chesapeake & Delaware, LLC, and the Black River & Western Railroad in New Jersey. He serves as the Steam Committee Chairman who oversees the maintenance and operation of the latter tourist railroad’s Great Western 2-8-0 No. 60. Still in his 20s, Gerhardt – like many […]

Read More…