Alco "S4" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Data Sheet
Last revised: December 23, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The S4 was the fourth model of switcher series the company produced and debuted a decade after the S1 and S2 designs in 1949. The American Locomotive Company (Alco) began production on the S4 directly after the S2 in June, 1950.
It was quite apparent that railroads preferred Alco's more powerful small switchers as both the S2 and S4 far outsold both the S1 and S3 by more than 1,400 units!
While not quite as popular as the S2, the S4 still sold nearly 800 examples and could likewise by found on railroads and within industrial settings all around the country.
Alco's Montreal Locomotive Works branch (located in Montreal, Quebec) also saw a large number of orders from Canadian lines.
Today, the S4 is one of the best preserved examples of Alco diesel locomotives as more than a dozen are either preserved or in operation on numerous museums and tourist lines around the country.
Photos
Chessie System/B&O S4 #9007 at the Glenwood Roundhouse in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), circa 1974. Warren Calloway collection.Overview
The Alco S4 design began production in June, 1950 (Schenectady) as soon as the last S2 had rolled off of the assembling line. The model is only slightly different from its earlier S2 sibling with minor carbody variations such as a relocation of the bell from behind the exhaust stack to the front of the hood (unless otherwise requested).
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) S4 #298 carries out switching chores in Miami, Oklahoma, circa 1970. This unit was built as Northeast Oklahoma Railroad #706. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.Otherwise, externally both models could hardly be distinguished from the other. Internally, both designs featured four axles and traction motors and air components from General Electric and Westinghouse.
They also both used McIntosh & Seymour's model 539 prime mover that could produce 1,000 horsepower and featured turbocharging. Finally, each model weighed in at just under 115 tons.
Pennsylvania S4 #8434 was photographed here in Detroit, Michigan between assignments, circa 1964. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.There were more striking differences, though. The S4 came equipped with updated type A AAR trucks whereas the S2 had used Alco's very own Blunt trucks (one of the only manufacturers to design its own trucks).
Additionally, the S4 offered much more tractive effort (a big advantage in the world of switching and shuffling cars); 72,400 pounds starting and 34,000 pounds continuous compared to the S2's 69,000 pounds starting and 29,200 continuous.
Interestingly, while few Canadian or foreign lines purchased early models of Alco's Switcher class (the S1 and S2) many bough examples of later designs like the S3 and S4.
The S4 also attracted many more industries due to the fact that it featured increased horsepower and tractive effort but retained the same size and dimensions of earlier models (making it agile and maneuverable in the tight spaces of such settings).
Morristown & Erie S4 #14, the road's only example, carries out switching work at Roseland, New Jersey, circa 1960. Meyer Pearlman photo. American-Rails.com collection.Following the Alco S4 the company had a difficult time selling switchers, which was partly due to the fact that railroads began to find that road switchers could perform the tasks of switching and shuffling cars just as well, and could also be used in regular freight service.
While the specialized needs of a switcher diminished to some extent by the 1960s, when Alco completed production of the S4 in 1960 it had sold some 782 units in total.
Erie Lackawanna S4 #529, still in its former Erie paint, was photographed here at Meadville, Pennsylvania on March 26, 1972. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production (Alco) | 8/3/1950 (Maine Central #311-312) |
| Entered Production (MLW) | 6/1949 (Canadian Pacific #7099) |
| Years Produced (Alco) | 8/3/1950-1960 (Armco Steel Corporation E116) |
| Years Produced (MLW) | 6/1949-1/1957 (Canadian National #8195) |
| Model Specification | E1540A/B |
| Engine | 539T, 6-Cylinder In-Line |
| Horsepower | 1000 |
| RPM | 740 |
| Carbody Styling | Alco |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 45' 5.75" |
| Width | 10' |
| Height Above Rail Head | 14' 6" |
| Weight | 230,000 Lbs. |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 731 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT563 |
| Gear Ratio | 75:16 |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 34,000 Lbs. at 8 MPH. |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
The primary difference between E1540A and E1540B was the switch from short to long-shank couplers. The transition occurred in Schenectady in 1954:
- Piedmont & Northern #1005 (construction number 81094) was the final to receive short-shank couplers and completed on April 27, 1954.
- Armco Steel #E111 (construction number 81095) was the first to receive long-shank couplers, completed on April 30, 1954.
At the Montreal Locomotive Works the change took place between 1954 and 1955:
- Canadian National #8033 (construction number 76448) was the final to receive short-shank couplers, completed on March 10, 1954.
- Falconbridge Nickel Mines #108 (construction number 76449) was the first to receive long-shank couplers, completed on July 15, 1955.
Milwaukee Road S4 #818 (built as #1895) was photographed here at Kansas City, Missouri in December of 1968. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.Production Roster
Alco
Total Built = 651
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algiers, Winslow & Western | 1, 2 | 79818, 79819 | 4/1953 | |
| Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA) | 111 | 1 | 78717 | 4/1951 |
| Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA) | 115 | 1 | 81333 | 5/1955 |
| Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA) | 117, 118 | 2 | 82004, 82005 | 8/1957 |
| Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA) | 121 | 1 | 82010 | 3/1961 |
| Angelina & Neches River | 12 | 82006 | 9/1958 | |
| Armco Steel | E111, E112 | 81095, 81100 | 12/1954 | |
| Armco Steel | E113, E114 | 81334, 81335 | 5/1955 | |
| Armco Steel | E116 | 82009 | 5/1960 | |
| Santa Fe | 1500 - 1509 | 78767-78776 | 5/1951-6/1951 | |
| Santa Fe | 1510 - 1519 | 78805-78814 | 7/1951 | |
| Santa Fe | 1520 - 1525 | 79809-79814 | 7/1952 | |
| Santa Fe | 1526 - 1529 | 80059-80062 | 7/1952-8/1952 | |
| Santa Fe | 1530 - 1537 | 80613-80620 | 6/1953 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 468 - 474 | 81320-81326 | 4/1955 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 534 - 539 | 80954-80959 | 11/1953-12/1953 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 540, 541 | 80962, 80963 | 12/1953 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 542 - 545 | 81327-81330 | 4/1955 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 9078 - 9097 | 81860-81879 | 4/1956-6/1956 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 9098, 9099 | 81971, 81972 | 6/1956 | |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 9100 - 9114 | 81985-81999 | 2/1957-8/1957 | |
| Bessemer & Lake Erie | 291, 292 | 80054, 80065 | 7/1952 | |
| Boston & Maine | 1266 - 1273 | 78021-78028 | 8/1950 | |
| Central Vermont | 8015, 8027 | 79227, 80467 | 10/1951, 5/1953 | |
| Central Vermont | 8080, 8081 | 81400, 81401 | 9/1955 | |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 5100 - 5104 | 80622-80626 | 7/1953-8/1953 | |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 5105 - 5113 | 80629-80637 | 8/1953-9/1953 | |
| Chicago & North Western | 1077 - 1079 | 81397-81399 | 8/1955 | |
| Chicago & North Western | 1093 - 1099 | 78828-78834 | 8/1951 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1863 - 1867 | 78421-78425 | 11/1950 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1868 - 1872 | 78718-78722 | 4/1951 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1873 - 1884 | 78844-78855 | 10/1951 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1885 - 1887 | 79216-79218 | 10/1951 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1888 - 1891 | 80083-80086 | 10/1952 | |
| Milwaukee Road | 1892 - 1896 | 80969-80973 | 12/1953-1/1954 | |
| Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha (C&NW) | 101 | 80621 | 7/1952 | |
| Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (Southern) | 6074, 6075 | 78337, 78338 | 9/1951 | |
| Delaware & Hudson | 3033 - 3036 | 78029-78032 | 9/1950 | |
| Delaware & Hudson | 3037 - 3046 | 78231-78240 | 9/1950 | |
| Delaware & Hudson | 3047 - 3050 | 78406-78409 | 10/1950 | |
| Erie Railroad | 526, 527 | 78716, 79530 | 4/1951, 1/1952 | |
| Erie Railroad | 528, 529 | 80089, 80090 | 10/1952 | |
| Fairport, Painesville & Eastern | 105 | 79225 | 10/1951 | |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México | 5523 - 5530 | 8 | 78816-78823 | 7-8/1951 |
| Ford Motor Company | 10008 - 10011 | 81102-81105 | 12/1954 | |
| Ford Motor Company | 10012 | 81126 | 12/1954 | |
| Genesee & Wyoming | 35 | 82008 | 6/1959 | |
| Georgia Port Authority | 101 | 80091 | 10/1952 | |
| Grafton & Upton | 1001 | 79805 | 6/1952 | |
| Grand Trunk Western | 8026 | 80466 | 5/1953 | |
| Grand Trunk Western | 8034, 8035 | 81331, 81332 | 5/1955 | |
| Grand Trunk Western | 8082 - 8084 | 81402-81404 | 9/1955 | |
| Grand Trunk Western | 8085 - 8090 | 81436-81441 | 10/1955 | |
| Grand Trunk Western | 8196 - 8205 | 81973-81982 | 7/1956-9/1956 | |
| Hammond Lumber Company | 101 | 78140 | 6/1950 | |
| Houston Belt & Terminal | 20, 21 | 78723, 78724 | 4/1951 | |
| Ideal Cement Company | 55 | 81442 | 10/1955 | |
| Illinois Northern | 29 - 31 | 78413-78415 | 10/1950 | |
| Illinois Northern | 32, 33 | 79228, 79229 | 10/1951 | |
| Illinois Northern | 34 | 79500 | 12/1951 | |
| Kaiser Steel | 1011 | 78815 | 8/1951 | |
| Kaiser Steel | 1012, 1013 | 79806, 79807 | 6/1952 | |
| Kaiser Steel | 1015, 1016 | 81983, 81984 | 10/1956-11/1956 | |
| Kaiser Steel | 1017 - 1019 | 82001-82003 | 8/1957 | |
| Lehigh Valley | 166, 167 | 78725, 78766 | 5/1951 | |
| Longview, Portland & Northern | 112 | 79226 | 10/1951 | |
| Los Angeles Junction | 6, 7 | 78410, 80628 | 10/1950, 8/1953 | |
| Louisville & Nashville | 2225 - 2232 | 79492-79499 | 11/1951-12/1951 | |
| Louisville & Nashville | 2350 - 2365 | 80067-80082 | 8/1952-9/1952 | |
| Louisville & Nashville | 2366 - 2369 | 80453-80456 | 5/1953-6/1953 | |
| Maine Central | 311, 312 | 78008, 78020 | 8/1950 | |
| Maine Central | 313 | 79502 | 12/1951 | |
| Maine Central | 314 - 317 | 81096-81099 | 9/1954 | |
| Manufacturers Railroad | 212 | 78835 | 8/1951 | |
| Massena Terminal | 11 | 79219 | 10/1951 | |
| Michigan Limestone & Chemical | 115 | 78420 | 11/1950 | |
| Minnesota Transfer | 100 - 105 | 78796-78801 | 6/1951 | |
| Monongahela Connecting Railroad | 139 - 143 | 78339-78343 | 9/1951 | |
| Morristown & Erie | 14 | 79786 | 4/1952 | |
| National Lead Company | 9 | 81101 | 10/1954 | |
| New Jersey Zinc Company | 23 | 80638 | 9/1953 | |
| New York Central | 8590 | 79531 | 2/1952 | |
| New York Central | 8591 - 8607 | 79542-79558 | 2/1952 | |
| New York Central | 8608 - 8618 | 79561-79571 | 3/1952 | |
| New York Central | 8619 - 8629 | 79775-79785 | 3/1952-4/1952 | |
| New York Central | 8630 - 8632 | 79788-79790 | 5/1952 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 46 - 52 | 78697-78703 | 1/1951 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 53 - 60 | 78704-78711 | 3/1951 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 61 | 79520 | 1/1952 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 65 - 73 | 79521-79529 | 1/1952 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 74 - 77 | 80468-80471 | 5/1953 | |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 78 - 83 | 80447-80452 | 5/1953 | |
| Northeast Oklahoma | 705, 706 | 77041, 80066 | 2/1950, 8/1952 | |
| Northern Pacific | 713 | 79230 | 10/1951 | |
| Northern Pacific | 714 - 716 | 79331-79333 | 10/1951-11/1951 | |
| Northern Pacific | 717 - 719 | 80462-80464 | 5/1953 | |
| Northern Pacific | 720 - 724 | 80964-80968 | 12/1953 | |
| Northern Pacific Terminal | 42, 43 | 79559, 79560 | 3/1952 | |
| Northern Pacific Terminal | 44, 45 | 80297, 80298 | 1/1954 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8430 - 8432 | 80975-80977 | 1/1954 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8433, 8434 | 80295, 80296 | 1/1954, 2/1954 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8487 - 8499 | 79792-79804 | 5/1952-6/1952 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8886 - 8899 | 78683-78696 | 11/1950-12/1950 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8900, 8901 | 78779, 78780 | 6/1951 | |
| Piedmont & Northern | 1000 - 1005 | 81089-81094 | 10/1954 | |
| Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (NYC) | 8633 - 8638 | 80639-80644 | 9/1953 | |
| Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (NYC) | 8639 - 8643 | 80645-80649 | 10/1953 | |
| Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (NYC) | 8644 - 8653 | 80930-80939 | 10/1953 | |
| Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (NYC) | 8654 - 8667 | 80940-80953 | 11/1953 | |
| Portland Terminal (Maine) | 1055 - 1058 | 78416-78419 | 11/1950 | |
| Schafer Brothers Logging Company | 20 | 78412 | 10/1950 | |
| Seaboard Air Line | 1482 - 1486 | 79820-79824 | 4/1953 | |
| Seaboard Air Line | 1487 - 1491 | 80457-80461 | 4/1953-5/1953 | |
| Secretaría de Marina Nacional | 101, 102 | 2 | 81127, 81128 | 1/1955 |
| South Buffalo Railway | 92 - 95 | 78824-78827 | 8/1951 | |
| South Buffalo Railway | 96, 97 | 79518, 79519 | 1/1952 | |
| South Buffalo Railway | 98, 99 | 79787, 80063 | 5/1952, 7/1952 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1464 - 1470 | 79339-79345 | 11/1951 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1471 - 1485 | 79503-79517 | 12/1951 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1514 - 1525 | 80092-80103 | 3/1953 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1526 - 1528 | 79815-79817 | 4/1953 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1551 - 1557 | 81129-81135 | 3/1955 | |
| Southern Pacific | 1558 - 1567 | 81310-81319 | 3/1955-4/1955 | |
| Tennessee Copper | 106 | 80465 | 5/1953 | |
| Terminal Railway-Alabama State Docks | 511, 521 | 78804, 80088 | 8/1951, 10/1952 | |
| Terminal Railway-Alabama State Docks | 541, 571 | 80974, 82000 | 1/1954, 8/1957 | |
| Texas & New Orleans (SP) | 95 - 99 | 79220-79224 | 10/1951-11/1951 | |
| Texas & New Orleans (SP) | 100 - 104 | 79334-79338 | 11/1951 | |
| Texas & Northern | 10, 11 | 78802, 78803 | 6/1951 | |
| Texas City Terminal | 33 | 80627 | 8/1953 | |
| Toledo Terminal | 109, 110 | 78712, 78713 | 4/1951 | |
| Toledo Terminal | 111 | 80087 | 9/1952 | |
| Union Pacific | 1154 - 1162 | 81336-81344 | 6/1955 | |
| Union Pacific | 1163 - 1173 | 81385-81395 | 6/1955-7/1955 | |
| Union Pacific | 1174 - 1186 | 81443-81455 | 11-12/1955 | |
| Union Pacific | 1187 - 1198 | 81825-81836 | 12/1955-3/1956 | |
| Union Railroad | 536, 537 | 78714, 78715 | 4/1951 | |
| U.S. Steel | 1 | 81396 | 6/1955 | |
| Wabash | 322 - 324 | 80610-80612 | 6/1953 | |
| Weirton Steel | 210, 211 | 78836, 79808 | 9/1951, 6/1952 | |
| Weirton Steel | 212, 213 | 81837-81839 | 11/1956 | |
| Weirton Steel | 214 | 82007 | 6/1959 | |
| Western Maryland | 145, 146 | 78681, 78682 | 1/1951 | |
| Western Pacific | 563, 564 | 78777, 78778 | 5/1951 | |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2116 | 79791 | 5/1952 | |
| Youngstown & Northern | 222, 223 | 78411, 79501 | 10/1950, 12/1951 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
Total Built = 146
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abitibi Power & Paper Company | 80 | 77585 | 6/1950 | |
| Alma & Janquiere Railway | 101, 102 | 76469, 77589 | 8/1949, 7/1951 | |
| Asbestos & Danville | 46, 47 | 76495, 77587 | 11/1949, 9/1950 | |
| Asbestos & Danville | 48, 49 | 77294, 81258 | 8/1953, 8/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 7995 - 7999 | 76481-76485 | 8/1949-9/1949 | |
| Canadian National | 8000 - 8005 (originally numbered 7600 - 7605) | 76486-76491 | 9/1949-10/1949 | |
| Canadian National | 8006, 8007 (originally numbered 7606 - 7607) | 76493, 76494 | 10/1949 | |
| Canadian National | 8008 - 8011 (originally numbered 7608 - 7611) | 76496-76499 | 10/1949-11/1949 | |
| Canadian National | 8012 - 8015 | 77581-77584 | 12/1949-1/1950 | |
| Canadian National | 8016, 8017 | 77596, 77597 | 12/1951 | |
| Canadian National | 8018 - 8025 | 77598-77605 | 9/1952-11/1952 | |
| Canadian National | 8028 - 8033 | 76443-76448 | 1/1954-3/1954 | |
| Canadian National | 8036 - 8038 | 79193-79195 | 8/1955-9/1955 | |
| Canadian National | 8039 - 8050 | 81217-81228 | 9/1955-11/1955 | |
| Canadian National | 8051 - 8077 | 81231-81257 | 12/1955-2/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 8078, 8079 | 81229, 81230 | 11/1955 | |
| Canadian National | 8163 - 8170 | 81259-81266 | 8/1956-9/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 8171 - 8180 | 81549-81558 | 9/1956-10/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 8181 - 8190 | 81573-81582 | 10/1956-12/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 8191 - 8195 | 81653-81657 | 12/1956-2/1957 | |
| Canadian Pacific | 7099 - 7105 | 76469-76475 | 6/1949 | |
| Canadian Pacific | 7106 - 7108 | 76476-76478 | 7/1949 | |
| Canadian Pacific | 7109 - 7114 | 77590-77595 | 7/1952-8/1952 | |
| Canadian Pacific | 7115 - 7118 | 77290-77293 | 3/1953-5/1953 | |
| Falconbridge Nickel Mines | 108 | 76449 | 1/1955 | |
| Ontario Northland | 1203 | 77586 | 12/1950 | |
| Quebec Iron & Titanium (Romaine River Railway) | 1, 2 | 76480, 76492 | 8/1949, 10/1949 | |
| Quebec Iron & Titanium (Romaine River Railway) | 4 | 77588 | 5/1951 |
* First MLW-built S4 with long-shank couplers.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Kirkland, John F. Diesel Builders, The: Volume Two, American Locomotive Company And Montreal Locomotive Works. Glendale: Interurban Press, 1989.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. Alco Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2009.
Penn Central S4 #9832 (built as Pennsylvania #8432). Location not recorded. September, 1969. American-Rails.com collection.The Canadian lines including the Canadian Pacific, Canadian National, Ontario Northland, Asbestos & Danville, Alma & Janquiere and industries Abitibi Power & Paper, Falconbridge Nickel Mines, and Quebec Iron & Titanium picked up some 145 S4s through Alco's Montreal Locomotive Works.
The CN would come to own the most of these buying 113 units. Interestingly, after the S4 Alco would sell less than 200 examples of its final three switcher designs including the special order S5, S6, and transfer model T6.
Recent Articles
-
Wisconsin BBQ Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 01:34 PM
The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad will once again welcome passengers aboard its popular Spring BBQ Dinner Train in 2026. -
Connecticut DOT Awards $20 Million In Railroad Grants
Mar 12, 26 01:19 PM
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a new round of funding aimed at improving the safety, reliability, and capacity of the state’s freight rail network. -
California's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 12:59 PM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
Reading & Northern Unveils Semiquincentennial 1776
Mar 12, 26 12:48 PM
In November 2025, the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN)—commonly known as the Reading & Northern—announced the debut of a striking patriotic locomotive commemorating the upcoming 250th… -
New Jersey's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 11:35 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Florida BBQ Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 11:28 AM
While Florida does not currently offer any BBQ train rides the Florida Railroad Museum does host a similar event, a campfire experience! -
Texas "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 10:40 AM
Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas. -
Connecticut's Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 10:36 AM
All aboard the intrigue express! One location in Connecticut typically offers a unique and thrilling experience for both locals and visitors alike, murder mystery trains. -
Missouri's Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 10:33 AM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota's Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 12, 26 10:28 AM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Charlotte Approves $37.9M For "Red Line" To Lake Norman
Mar 11, 26 02:18 PM
The Charlotte City Council has approved $37.9 million in funding for the next phase of design work on the long-planned Red Line commuter rail project. -
NS, Progress Rail Announce SD70ICC Modernization
Mar 11, 26 12:15 PM
Norfolk Southern Railway has announced a significant locomotive modernization initiative in partnership with Progress Rail Services Corporation that will rebuild 96 existing road locomotives into a ne… -
Colorado Seeks Input On Proposed Front Range Passenger Train Name
Mar 11, 26 11:55 AM
Colorado officials are inviting the public to help name a proposed passenger train that could one day connect major cities along the state’s heavily traveled Interstate 25 corridor. -
Virginia Whiskey Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 11:22 AM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley with guided… -
Minnesota's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:32 AM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
New Mexico's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:23 AM
Sky Railway's New Mexico Ale Trail Train is the headliner: a 21+ excursion that pairs local brewery pours with a relaxed ride on the historic Santa Fe–Lamy line. -
Indiana's Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:19 AM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Ohio's Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:02 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Kentucky Easter Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 11:39 AM
The Bluegrass State is home to beautiful rolling farms and the western Appalachian Mountain chain, which comes alive each spring. A few railroad museums host Easter-themed events during this time. -
California Easter Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 10:26 AM
California is home to many tourist railroads and museums; several offer Easter-themed train rides for the entire family. -
NS Faces Multiple Derailments Near Historic Horseshoe Curve
Mar 10, 26 10:15 AM
One of America’s most famous railroad landmarks, the legendary Horseshoe Curve west of Altoona, Pennsylvania, has recently been the site of multiple freight-train derailments involving Norfolk Souther… -
Oregon's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 10:11 AM
If your idea of a perfect night out involves craft beer, scenery, and the gentle rhythm of jointed rail, Santiam Excursion Trains delivers a refreshingly different kind of “brew tour.” -
Arizona's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:57 AM
Verde Canyon Railroad’s signature fall celebration—Ales On Rails—adds an Oktoberfest-style craft beer festival at the depot before you ever step aboard. -
Connecticut's Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:54 AM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner on… -
Massachusetts Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:37 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Union Pacific Restores Rail Bridge Service in Lincoln
Mar 09, 26 11:34 PM
Union Pacific crews have successfully restored freight rail service across a key bridge in Lincoln, Nebraska, completing a rapid reconstruction effort in just a few weeks. -
TVRM To Assist In Gas-Powered Locomotive's Restoration
Mar 09, 26 11:15 PM
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has announced it is assisting in the eventual cosmetic restoration of a former gas powered locomotive used in the logging industry. -
Michigan's Easter Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 10:37 AM
Spring sometimes comes late to Michigan but this doesn't stop a handful of the state's heritage railroads from hosting Easter-themed rides. -
Pennsylvania's Easter Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 10:05 AM
Pennsylvania is home to many tourist trains and several host Easter-themed train rides. Learn more about these special events here. -
Tennessee's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 09:33 AM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
Michigan's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 09:07 AM
There's a unique thrill in combining the romance of train travel with the rich, warming flavors of expertly crafted whiskeys. -
Massachusetts Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 08:56 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Maryland Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 08:37 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
New York's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:16 AM
For those keen on embarking on such an adventure, the Arcade & Attica offers a unique whiskey tasting train at the end of each summer! -
Florida's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:15 AM
If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own. -
Colorado Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:14 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Iowa Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:13 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Northern Pacific 4-6-0 1356 Receives Cosmetic Restoration
Mar 07, 26 02:19 PM
A significant preservation effort is underway in Missoula, Montana, where volunteers and local preservationists have begun a cosmetic restoration of Northern Pacific Railway steam locomotive No. 1356. -
New York's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 02:08 PM
Among the Adirondack Railroad's most popular special outings is the Beer & Wine Train Series, an adult-oriented excursion built around the simple pleasures of rail travel. -
Kentucky's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:17 AM
Whether you’re a curious sipper planning your first bourbon getaway or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a fresh angle on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a train excursion offers a slow, scenic, and flavor-fo… -
Ohio's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:15 AM
LM&M's Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refr… -
Georgia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides In Cordele
Mar 07, 26 10:13 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel… -
Arizona Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:12 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Massachusetts's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 09:00 AM
Among Cape Cod Central's lineup of specialty trips, the railroad’s Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train stands out as a “best of both worlds” event. -
Pennsylvania's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:57 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
Indiana's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:55 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a little cele… -
North Carolina's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:53 AM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Arkansas Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:50 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
California Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:49 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Construction Continues On Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania Roundhouse
Mar 05, 26 01:52 PM
Construction is underway on a long-anticipated roundhouse exhibit building at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, a project designed to preserve several of the most historically signific…
%2C%20circa%201974.%20%20Warren%20Calloway%20collection.){kind=link}
%20S4%20%23298%20carries%20out%20switching%20chores%20in%20Miami%2C%20Oklahoma%2C%20circa%201970.%20This%20unit%20was%20built%20as%20Northeast%20Oklahoma%20Railroad%20%23706.%20Mac%20Owen%20photo.%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}
%20was%20photographed%20here%20at%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri%20in%20December%20of%201968.%20%20Fred%20Byerly%20photo.%20%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}
.%20%20Location%20not%20recorded.%20%20September%2C%201969.%20%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}