American-Rails.com Blog
Here is your one-stop shop for learning about all of the newest additions or changes happening at American-Rails.com. Listed below is every page that is either new or which was updated within the last few days. Simply click on the link "Continue Reading..." under each heading to visit the page in question. With new articles added on a regular basis be sure and either check back here often or subscribe to the website's RSS feed to keep up with the latest.
Nov 20, 2024
The Wrecking Derrick: Railroading's Unsung Hero
The wrecking derrick was once a vital piece of maintenance-of-way equipment, ensuring rail lines were quickly reopened following an accident or derailment.
Continue reading "The Wrecking Derrick: Railroading's Unsung Hero"
Oct 28, 2024
Buckingham Branch Railroad: Serving Central Virginia
The Buckingham Branch Railroad is a 275 mile short line that has served Virginia since 1989.
Continue reading "Buckingham Branch Railroad: Serving Central Virginia"
Oct 26, 2024
New York & Long Branch Railroad: An NJ Commuter Line
The New York & Long Branch Railroad was an historic system running along the northeastern coast of New Jersey and jointly owned by the CNJ and PRR. Today, it is operated by NJ Transit.
Continue reading "New York & Long Branch Railroad: An NJ Commuter Line"
Oct 25, 2024
The "Maple Leaf": An LV-CN International Service
The "Maple Leaf" was a joint Lehigh Valley/Canadian National train providing through service from New York City to Toronto via Buffalo. It was discontinued in 1961.
Continue reading "The "Maple Leaf": An LV-CN International Service"
Oct 25, 2024
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
Vermont train rides offer visitors incredible views of New England. These trips are hosted by the Green Mountain Railroad, a division of the Vermont Railway. Also be sure to visit the state's few railroad museums.
Continue reading "Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Oct 24, 2024
Dansville and Mount Morris Railroad: An NY Short Line
The Dansville and Mount Morris Railroad is an historic New York short line running 15 miles between its namesake town. It was absorbed into Genesee & Wyoming in 1985.
Continue reading "Dansville and Mount Morris Railroad: An NY Short Line"
Oct 12, 2024
Chicago Great Western Railway, "The Corn Belt Route"
The venerable Chicago Great Western Railway operated across the upper Midwest serving Chicago, the Twin Cities, and Kansas City.
Continue reading "Chicago Great Western Railway, "The Corn Belt Route""
Oct 10, 2024
Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience.
Continue reading "Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Oct 09, 2024
Florida Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here.
Continue reading "Florida Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Oct 09, 2024
Steam Locomotives (USA), The Classic "Iron Horse"
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today.
Continue reading "Steam Locomotives (USA), The Classic "Iron Horse""
Oct 07, 2024
Oklahoma Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
Currently, the Oklahoma Railway Museum is the only location within the state hosting public excursions. Find out more about it and all of the state's museums here.
Continue reading "Oklahoma Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Oct 03, 2024
Norfolk and Western Railway: "Precision Transportation"
The Norfolk & Western was a highly profitable eastern coal-hauler that connected Norfolk with Cincinnati. It disappeared into Norfolk Southern in 1982.
Continue reading "Norfolk and Western Railway: "Precision Transportation""
Sep 30, 2024
The "Blue Bird": A Regional Domeliner (Chicago-St. Louis)
The Blue Bird was a regional streamliner operated by the Wabash that served Chicago and St. Louis. After an N&W merger in 1964 the train was rerouted although survived until Amtrak.
Continue reading "The "Blue Bird": A Regional Domeliner (Chicago-St. Louis)"
Sep 30, 2024
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
Maryland train rides offer some incredible experiences on the rails like the steam-powered Western Maryland Scenic.
Continue reading "Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Sep 27, 2024
Chicago and North Western Railroad, "Route Of The '400'"
The Chicago & North Western Railway was a famous Midwestern granger that reached as far west as Lander, Wyoming. In 1995 it was purchased by Union Pacific.
Continue reading "Chicago and North Western Railroad, "Route Of The '400'""
Sep 22, 2024
Steam Turbine Locomotives: A Late Era Development
The steam turbine locomotive was an experimental design tested in the 1930s by several railroads as an alternative to diesels with names like the Jawn Henry.
Continue reading "Steam Turbine Locomotives: A Late Era Development"
Sep 18, 2024
Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad: Serving Tidewater
The Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad is an historic terminal road which has served the Norfolk/Chesapeake region since 1896. It is jointly owned CSX/NS.
Continue reading "Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad: Serving Tidewater"
Sep 18, 2024
Bessemer & Lake Erie 2-10-4 643: A Steely Giant
Bessemere & Lake Erie 2-10-4 #643 is a "Texas Type" steam engine designed for heavy freight work in Pennsylvania. It managed to survive the scrapper's torch and today is preserved at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
Continue reading "Bessemer & Lake Erie 2-10-4 643: A Steely Giant"
Sep 18, 2024
EMD's SD39/SDL39: A Workhorse Transition
The SD39 was one of EMD's medium-horsepowered, turbocharged variants within its new 645 line. Only 54 were built for a handful of railroads between 1968-1970.
Sep 16, 2024
Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad: A Piney Woods Shortline
The Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad was a classic short line serving the logging/timber industry in southern Mississippi. Today, the tackage is owned by Canadian National.
Continue reading "Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad: A Piney Woods Shortline "
Aug 23, 2024
EMD's "SD60" Series: SD60M, SD60I, SD60MAC
The SD60 replaced the troubled SD50 in the mid-1980s. While it saw high sales the model could not restore the builder's dominance.
Continue reading "EMD's "SD60" Series: SD60M, SD60I, SD60MAC"
Aug 22, 2024
New Haven Railroad (New York, New Haven & Hartford)
The New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad (New Haven) served New England for nearly 150 years before disappearing into Penn Central and later Conrail in 1976.
Continue reading "New Haven Railroad (New York, New Haven & Hartford)"
Aug 21, 2024
Scenic Dinner Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
Dinner trains have become a popular attraction in recent years. Here, you can find dates and locations for these events in 2024.
Continue reading "Scenic Dinner Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Aug 21, 2024
The "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train": An Elegant Affair
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is operated by RJ Corman and located in Bardstown. Dress is always formal and the meals are first-class, it is quite an experience!
Continue reading "The "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train": An Elegant Affair"
Aug 21, 2024
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
You can enjoy dinner by train in Arkansas at the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas and Arkansas & Missouri. Learn more about these trips here.
Continue reading "Arkansas Dinner Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Aug 21, 2024
The "S-12": A Custom Built Switcher For CN
The S-12 was one of MLW's four custom built switchers for Canadian lines, which also included the S-7, S-10, and S-11. Eleven were built for CN in 1958.
Continue reading "The "S-12": A Custom Built Switcher For CN"
Aug 20, 2024
The "S-13": An MLW-Only Switcher Model
The S-13 was produced only by the Montreal Locomotive Works during an eight-year production run from 1958-1967. Most were sold to Canadian National.
Aug 19, 2024
Kelley's Creek and Northwestern Railroad
The Kelley's Creek and Northwestern Railroad was a small West Virginia coal hauler located south of Charleston and operating from a connection with the NYC. It operated from 1903-1993.
Aug 19, 2024
Central California Traction Company: From Interurban To Short Line
The Central California Traction Company is an historic short line with a heritage dating back to the interurban industry. It is currently owned by UP and BNSF.
Continue reading "Central California Traction Company: From Interurban To Short Line"
Aug 19, 2024
Mississippi Export Railroad: Born In The Timber Industry
The Mississippi Export Railroad is an historic short line connecting Pascagoula, MS and Evanston, AL with a heritage dating back to 1922.
Continue reading "Mississippi Export Railroad: Born In The Timber Industry"
Aug 19, 2024
BP4 #999: An NS/Altoona Testbed Battery-Electric
The BP4 was single unit testbed design which operated on Norfolk Southern (#999) from 2007-2019. The locomotive did not meet NS needs and was sold to a California firm.
Continue reading "BP4 #999: An NS/Altoona Testbed Battery-Electric"
Aug 19, 2024
Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad, "The Laurel Line"
The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad was a notable interurban serving eastern Pennsylvania between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It was acquired by the DL&W in 1957.
Continue reading "Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad, "The Laurel Line""
Aug 18, 2024
Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad: Linking Detroit-Toledo
The Detroit and Toledo Shore Line was once an important terminal railroad linking Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. Dating back to 1898, it was absorbed into the Grand Trunk Western in 1981.
Continue reading "Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad: Linking Detroit-Toledo"
Aug 17, 2024
The RSD-17: The "Empress of Agincourt"
The RSD17 was a unique MLW model based from Alco's RSD15 in the States. Only one unit was produced, demonstrator #7007, and was later purchased by Canadian Pacific.
Aug 17, 2024
Louisiana Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
The state of Louisiana carries a long history with railroads, dating back to the early 1830s. Presented here is information concerning train rides and museums highlighting such.
Continue reading "Louisiana Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Aug 16, 2024
Peoria and Pekin Union Railway: An Historic Illinois Short Line
The Peoria and Pekin Union Railway is an historic terminal line serving its namesake cities in Illinois. It has been in operation since 1881.
Continue reading "Peoria and Pekin Union Railway: An Historic Illinois Short Line"
Aug 16, 2024
Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad: An Alco Haven
The Delaware-Lackawanna is a shortline that has been in service since 1993 utilizing 88 miles of track in within Lackawanna, Wayne, Monroe, and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.
Continue reading "Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad: An Alco Haven"
Aug 16, 2024
The "FPA4": MLW's Final Cab Model (1958-1959)
The FPA4 series was MLW's last cab model it produced with a total of 46 produced during a two-year production run. All were acquired by Canadian National.
Continue reading "The "FPA4": MLW's Final Cab Model (1958-1959)"
Aug 16, 2024
Alabama Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
There are currently just a few train rides in Alabama to choose from. Learn more about them within this guide, as well as the state's railroad museums.
Continue reading "Alabama Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"
Aug 16, 2024
The "RS10": MLW's 1600 Horsepower Model
The RS10 was an MLW design which followed the RS3. It saw modest success during its three-year production run, totaling 128 units. Most sales went to CN and CP.
Aug 15, 2024
Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today
Read about the history of diesel locomotives, how they function and operate, and the dozens of different models built by the five major manufacturers.
Continue reading "Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today"
Aug 15, 2024
Falls Road Railroad: GVT's Western NY Short Line
The Falls Road Railroad is a Genesee Valley Transportation short line utilizing a former NYC branch between Niagara Falls and Rochester. It has been in service since 1996.
Continue reading "Falls Road Railroad: GVT's Western NY Short Line"
Aug 15, 2024
Genesee Valley Transportation: A Northeastern Short Line Family
Genesee Valley Transportation includes a group of short lines located in Pennsylvania and New York that has provided customer-focused service since 1985.
Continue reading "Genesee Valley Transportation: A Northeastern Short Line Family"
Aug 15, 2024
Lowville and Beaver River Railroad: An Historic NY Short Line
The Lowville and Beaver Railroad is an historic New York short line with history dating back to 1906. It is currently owned by Genesee Valley Transportation.
Continue reading "Lowville and Beaver River Railroad: An Historic NY Short Line"
Aug 15, 2024
The "M420": MLW's Mid-Powered Model
The M420 was MLW's version of Alco's C420 road-switcher. Built between 1973-1977 a total of 98 units were produced, including one to the Providence & Worcester.
Aug 15, 2024
Finger Lakes Railway: Operating The Ex-NYC, PRR, and LV
The Finger Lakes Railway has been in service since 1995 when it picked up ex-LV, NYC, and PRR trackage from Conrail that year in Western New York. Today, it handles about 18,000 carloads.
Continue reading "Finger Lakes Railway: Operating The Ex-NYC, PRR, and LV"
Aug 14, 2024
The "C630M" and "M630": Canada's Six-Axle 'Century'
The C630M, and is M630 successor, was Alco/MLW's Canadian version of the C630. Combined, both models sold a total of 85 examples.
Continue reading "The "C630M" and "M630": Canada's Six-Axle 'Century'"
Aug 14, 2024
The "RS18": MLW's Popular Road-Switcher
The RS18 was Canada's version of Alco's RS11. It proved very successful, selling 351 examples during its 12 year production run.
Aug 13, 2024
The "GMD1": Canada's Classic Light Road-Switcher
The GMD1 was a successful light road-switcher which sold very well in Canada for service on the prairies. A total of 101 were built between 1958-1960.
Continue reading "The "GMD1": Canada's Classic Light Road-Switcher"
Recent Articles
-
The Wrecking Derrick: Railroading's Unsung Hero
Nov 20, 24 12:35 PM
The wrecking derrick was once a vital piece of maintenance-of-way equipment, ensuring rail lines were quickly reopened following an accident or derailment. -
Buckingham Branch Railroad: Serving Central Virginia
Oct 28, 24 05:17 PM
The Buckingham Branch Railroad is a 275 mile short line that has served Virginia since 1989. -
New York & Long Branch Railroad: An NJ Commuter Line
Oct 26, 24 11:50 PM
The New York & Long Branch Railroad was an historic system running along the northeastern coast of New Jersey and jointly owned by the CNJ and PRR. Today, it is operated by NJ Transit.