Cass’ 2025 Parade of Steam scheduled for June 14

Five geared steam locomotives run together under large cloud of smoke

CASS, W.Va — Cass Scenic Railroad and operator Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad has announced the return of Parade of Steam for 2025. The increasingly popular event, which began in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled for June 14 at the Cass Depot. According to the railroad website, up to six […]

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Mt. Rainier Scenic soldiers on after devastating fire

Remnants of wooden railroad bridge destroyed by fire

ELBE, Wash. — The last few weeks have been devastating for the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. And yet, the heritage line about 45 miles south of Tacoma, Wash., is not only continuing to operate, but finding reasons to be positive. On the evening of April 30, the railroad’s largest wooden bridge — a 400-foot-long, 70-high […]

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New tourist rail operation to launch in New York’s Finger Lakes region

Interior of an observation car during a sunset

GENEVA, N.Y. — The Finger Lakes Railway will host a series of family-friendly excursions and adults-only wine-tasting trains this summer. The Finger Lakes Rail Experience is a new collaboration between the short line, FMW Solutions, United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, Operation Toy Train, Seneca Lakes Wine Train, more than a dozen local wineries […]

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Steam and superstition

steam locomotive

When Trains Magazine author Lou Maxon was invited by the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum in Mineral, Wash. to experience steam railroading from the cab, he knew he was in for a special treat, a peek into a world few non-railroaders will see. He watched as the crew went through their pre-departure routine for […]

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Nickel Plate Road Nos. 765 and 358 celebrate Wheeling & Lake Erie’s anniversary

Steam and diesel locomotive sit together

BREWSTER, Ohio — Following its two-week stay at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 made a historic detour on its way back to the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. On May 5, the 2-8-4, owned and operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, departed the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic, heading southbound […]

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News photo: Recently acquired M636 diesel debuts in New York & Lake Erie colors

Two vintage diesel locomotives sitting next to each other

GOWANDA, N.Y. — Montreal Locomotive Works M636 diesel No. 636 debuted May 17, 2025, in its new paint scheme for the New York & Lake Erie Railroad (NYLE). The 1970-built locomotive was acquired by the short line in 2024 from the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. Initially debuting on the railroad’s Santa Express excursions […]

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Western Maryland Scenic’s Georges Creek Division Railroad impacted by flooding (updated)

Washed out track nexzt to flooded creek

WESTERNPORT, Md. — The Georges Creek Division Railroad took a devastating hit by Tuesday’s severe flooding to the western Maryland area. The short line, which ceased operations in 2019, was recently leased to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for passenger and potential freight opportunities [See “Western Maryland Scenic to expand through lease…,” Trains News Wire, […]

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Robert Van Camp’s Great Scenic Railway Journey

Cameraman filming steam train from cliff

Since 1994, Great Scenic Railway Journeys (GSRJ) on PBS has captivated viewers tuning in to “see the world from the scenic railroad.” It has catapulted Show Creator, Producer and now Host Robert Van Camp to 20 Emmys and the Program Excellence award from American Public Television. But for the man behind the camera, you see […]

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Mount Washington Cog Railway delays 2025 steam season

steam train going down on steep tracks

MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. — The iconic coal-fired steam locomotives of the Mount Washington Cog Railway will see a temporary delay in their 2025 debuts.  A May 12 post on the tourist railroad’s Facebook page states: “Recent pre-season preparations revealed the need for reduced steam pressure in locomotives MW2 and MW9, conditions that would result in […]

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An overview of Steamtown USA

Steam locomotive with Steamtown USA passenger train on bridge

Steamtown National Historic Site, once known as Steamtown USA, has a captivating history. Its journey from one man’s vision in New England to a National Park Service railroad museum in Pennsylvania is marked by highs and lows, attracting both advocates and critics.     The Vision of F. Nelson Blount Francis Nelson Blount Jr. was […]

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Maine museum launches campaign to finish narrow gauge coach’s reconstruction

replica 1894 wooden railway coach

ALNA, Maine — The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum has kicked off a new fundraising campaign to send its reconstruction project to the finish line. The organization of Maine’s 2’ gauge lore has been building an all-new coach since 2017. Coach No. 9 is a replica of one of two wooden coaches originally built […]

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News photo: Western Maryland Scenic No. 1309 returns to service

Crew photo in front of steam locomotive

CUMBERLAND, Md. — Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) recently announced that 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is ready to return to excursion service, beginning May 9. The locomotive was sidelined during the 2024 season for extensive work on the pistons, cylinders, and running gear [see “Western Maryland Scenic No. 1309 nears reassembly,” News Wire, Jan. 22, 2025]. […]

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