September 01, 2008
First, let me welcome you to Trackside, The Newsletter; a new part of the American-Rails.com website. I had thought long and hard about creating a newsletter to go along with the website since American Rails first began but I could never decide what exactly to include in it. After much consideration, though, I finally decided that perhaps the best approach was to fill the newsletter with, well, news! More specifically, however, current news and events which will be broken down into categories such as Class Is, shortlines, Regionals, preservation, etc. keeping you up-to-date on the latest on-goings around the country. And, since I usually add these news pieces to the American-Rails.com sister site, the American Rails Forums (ARF), much of the information in Trackside will be linked to topics at ARF.
Please note!: Now completed are maps detailing nearly all of the fallen flag system covered at the site. Eventually I plan to also feature all of the Class Is and Regionals (and maybe even the shortlines if I can locate maps of each for reference). In any event, I hope that the maps are another good source of reference for you in whatever you may be researching regarding a particular railroad (that’s what they are there for!).
Also, as you may have noticed, one other new featured added to the newsletter is a monthly photo, which is just meant for fun and to add a bit of interest. Of note, the photos used each month are the property of individual photographers and as such should not be redistributed or used without their permission.
This month's photo comes courtesy of Wade Massie and while it appears to be from the Western Maryland era with two Alco RS-3s pounding up famed Helmstetter's Curve near Corriganville, Maryland this scene is actually a Western Maryland Scenic Railroad train taken in late October 1991.
Norfolk Southern News:
Virginia green lights NS to build Heartland Corridor terminal in Elliston
County to file lawsuit against Virginia to challenge use of public funds for NS intermodal terminal
NS Timetables and Track Charts
Union Pacific News:
Cane Creek Branch will host nuclear moves
UP plans Mococo Line reopening
General Regional and shortline News
Railroad wants to reinstall major bridge
Wisconsin & Southern releases "Grow Wisconsin"
Oregon governor calls on STB to accept port's CBL Offer
If you have any interest in the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad please click here to keep up with the latest on the railroad.
Railroad Museum and Tourist Line Guide
General Tourist Railroads and Museums News Wire
Trains presents 2008 Award to Mid-Continent RR Museum
Indiana History Train seeks volunteers
Railroad Institutional Markets
Minnesota museum to preserve 1960s passenger locomotive
BNSF New Citizens For Rail Security Website
City wants railroad hall of fame in downtown Galesburg
Brooks group buys railroad station, locomotive
Senate bill aims to entice passenger car builders
UP open to Texas passenger service
Amtrak President: 200 mph Northeast Corridor shouldn't be a priority
Major East Coast high speed route planned
California governor will sign high speed rail bill
General State and Regional News Wire
Years of hard work lead to grand opening
Backers explore connecting Allentown, Pa., to NJ Transit
PA commission updates 12-year transportation spending plan
Robbins set to start depot work
Proposed line reactivation sparks dispute
Governor's veto keeps Long Island intermodal option open
Museum suffers damage in lighting strike
Susquehanna files to abandon Sherburne line
Key New York county backs rail yard for Patriot Corridor
Early RR tunnel discovered in Schenectady
As Trackside moves forward I will look to include more topics and information within it. In any event, if you have any opinions, ideas, and/or general comments/suggestions for the newsletter please feel free to pass them my way. As with American-Rails.com I am always looking for ways to improve the newsletter to better benefit you, the reader.
For the railfans, with fall just around the corner, best of luck in getting those dramatic foliage shots! 
Best regards,
Adam Burns
P.S. By the way, have you ever been interested in a place to talk and discuss with others the hobby of railfanning? Likewise are you looking for a quick answer to a railroad or railroad-related question? The American Rails Forums were created basically for those very two reasons, to have fun and learn about our country’s railroads, from its history to today’s operations. Even if you do not have a serious interest in railroading the forums can be a great resource guide to find answers to any questions about trains and railroads that you may have. If you are perhaps interested in joining us please click here to visit the forums.