BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Firecrown Media has named veteran railroad journalist Bill Stephens as the new editor of Trains Magazine.
Stephens, a longtime Trains contributor and columnist, brings more than three decades of experience covering North American freight and passenger railroads, industry trends, and regulatory developments. His byline has been a fixture on Trains News Wire, TrainsPRO, and in the magazine’s monthly print edition, where his analytical reporting and in-depth special reports have made him one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
“I’ve been a Trains reader for more than 40 years, and the magazine has been an important part of my life. So I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Trains and build on its legacy of outstanding rail journalism,” Stephens said. “For generations, Trains has connected readers with the people, technology, and stories that make railroading such a fascinating industry. I look forward to continuing that tradition with our talented team and our network of contributors.”
Stephens, a former reporter, copy editor, and editorial writer for newspapers in New York and Massachusetts, has been writing for Trains since 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in history, both from St. Bonaventure University. Stephens and his wife, Lisa, reside in Massachusetts and have two grown children.
Stephens succeeds Carl A. Swanson, who became editor in May 2022 following the death of longtime editor Jim Wrinn.
“Carl has been a steady hand on the magazine’s throttle since taking over for Jim,” Stephens said. “He’s been Mr. Versatile, having scored an unprecedented hat trick over the years as editor of Classic Toy Trains, Model Railroader, and Trains. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Trains, founded in 1940, remains the largest-circulation magazine that covers the railroad industry.
