Railroad Magazines, Covering The Subject Of Trains
Last revised: September 6, 2024
By: Adam Burns
For generations, magazines have allowed the average railfan/train enthusiast to learn about railroads and keep up with the industry's latest developments.
The most well-known, of course, are still in circulation, notably the former Kalmbach Publishing brand: Trains, Classic Trains, and Model Railroader.
But! Many other companies also produce excellent coverage on these subjects, and others. In the modern Internet age, print media, in all forms, has lost many thousands of subscribers/readers to their digital counterparts. As a result, many titles have been discontinued.
This problem, coupled with overhead expenses (ink and paper, and payroll) have made doing business in this industry increasingly difficult.
Kalmbach did well to bridge the gap by releasing many digital formats, DVD's, and even an online "News Wire" component (viewed via their website, most content is only available to subscribers).
In any event, if you are looking for a railroad or modeling magazine more information about several can be found here.
Please note! If you are interested in a particular subject, such as a specific railroad, several historical societies also print their own annual or quarterly magazines. That may also be avenue to explore.
Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3933 heads west at Red Desert, Wyoming on August 30, 1955. J.E. Shaw photo. American-Rails.com collection.Kalmbach, of course, was not the sole publisher on the railroad subject although it has been around far longer than most. It was, however, the first tailored specifically towards enthusiasts.
Prior to Trains, one was required trade publication. The very first was the American Railroad Journal (launched in 1832 as the "Rail-Road Journal"), followed by Railway Age. The latter remains in circulation today (originally printed in 1856 as the Western Railroad Gazette, then renamed as the Railroad Gazette in 1870).
There is a reason Trains carries the slogan, "The magazine of railroading." This author has subscribed to Trains for more than 20 years and found it quite enjoyable although the price may not be for everyone.
It is published monthly covering a wide range of subjects, from the latest news to restoration projects. It even offers an annual $10,000 award to preservation efforts.
Throughout the years Trains has broadened its topics with articles now occasionally highlighting operations outside of North America and Mexico (Europe, Britain, China, Japan, etc.). This allowed the company to introduce an entirely new magazine in 2000, Classic Trains.
Santa Fe HH1000 #2319 is seen here tied down in Pasadena, California in March, 1961. These early 1,000 horsepower switchers from Alco carried no official model designation from the company although railfans later adopted the "HH" moniker, an acronym for High Hood. American-Rails.com collection.A quarterly piece, it has focused exclusively on historic subjects during the industry's "Golden Age." Since 2014, there have been several specials added to this title such as Great Trains: West, Great Trains: Freight, Steam's Lost Empire, Big Steam Is Back, Great Trains: Heartland, Great Trains: East, Trains Of The 1940s, Trains Of The 1970s, More Trains of the 1950s, Trains Of The 1960s, and Steam Glory 3.
Rio Grande 2-8-2 #491 (K-37) carries out switching work in Antonito, Colorado during the 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.Other industry trade publications include Railfan & Railroad, The Railroad Press, and Railpace Newsmagazine. Alas, several other once proud names have succumbed to expense, cost, subscription loss, or even age.
The most well-known include Extra 2200 South, CTC Board, and Railroads Illustrated (which acquired CTC Board before disappearing into Railfan & Railroad).
While all industrial-based magazines cover the same topic, they all slightly differ in their presentation and/or content. For instance, Kalmbach Publishing’s Trains focuses rather broadly on railroading, including the latest important news and articles on the past, present, future, and even overseas.
However, Railfan & Railroad takes a bit of a different approach by focusing more on the railfan-side of hobby including lots of classic pictures of fallen flag carriers (which appeal to the vast majority of enthusiasts) and the magazine is also more cordial and down-to-earth in nature.
Extra 2200 South, published by Iron Horse Publications, was a magazine printed from 1961 through 2008, founded by Jerry A. Pinkepank. An entirely unique piece, it focused exclusively on locomotive rosters and types.
Pinkepank was well-known for his work in this area, having published two books on the subject, "The Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide: A Comprehensive Reference Manual To Locomotives Since 1972" and "The Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide: A Comprehensive Reference Manual To Locomotives Since 1972, Including Rebuilding, Upgrading, And Leasing Programs (2nd Edition)."
Great Western Railway (of Colorado) 2-8-0 #51 is seen here in service near the Great Western Sugar Company's plant in Loveland, Colorado, circa 1960. Today, the Consolidation is preserved and privately owned in Mead, Colorado. American-Rails.com collection.Covering The Railroad Industry
Trains Magazine
Railfan & Railroad
Railroads Illustrated (Formerly CTC Board)
Classic Trains
Railroad Heritage
Trolley Talk
Extra 2200 South
Modeling
Model Railroader
Garden Railways
Classic Toy Trains
Railroad Model Craftsman
Model Railroad News
N-scale Magazine
N Scale Railroading
O Gauge Railroading
The periodical was the only such resource dedicated solely, and specifically, to diesel locomotives, from the first models debuted by the EMC (Electro-Motive Corporation, which later became a longtime division of General Motors) to the latest manufactured by EMD and General Electric (GE).
The magazine also maintained and updated roster information for many American railroads; arranged alphabetically it covered everything from short lines and commuter systems to Class I's and Regionals. CTC Board, launched in 1970, was another popular magazine, produced for more than 30 years.
However, it was sold from Hundman Publishing, after the May, 2006 issue, to White River Productions. It subsequently became Railroads Illustrated and remained in print until 2014 when folded into Railfan & Railroad.
While R&R also covers current events, the magazine's main focus is photography. While the magazine does not carry quite the number of subscribers as, it nonetheless has a very loyal following.
Railfan & Railroad tends to gear its magazine more to the railfan then taking a “50-50” approach like Trains. For instance many folks who subscribe to it enjoy the several classic photos found in the magazine.
Similar in nature to Trains, Railfan & Railroad also tends to cover a wide range of different topics, such as current news and feature articles. However, the magazines differ in their approach, where again Railfan and Railroad focuses more on the railfan and Trains covers the industry in general.
Some of the topics the Railfan & Railroad cover include things like timetables and guides for those interested in photographing trains, featured books, “railroadiana” (general railroading-related products) items for sale, anecdotal stories, and photographic tips/tricks (for many years this was written by the late Jim Boyd, a legendary rail historian who had many books to his name).
Sadly, as the digital age moves forward, more such names may also disappear or move towards digital themselves.
Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3964 leads an expedited freight of refrigerator cars eastbound, just east of Rock Springs, Wyoming on September 8, 1956. The train is about to duck under the Route 370 overpass. J.E. Shaw photo. American-Rails.com collection.Finally, modeling is another very popular niche within the railfan community.
One of the popular magazines is Model Railroad News, a monthly piece printed by LampLighter Publishing, which details and highlights the latest information and news ongoing in the model railroad industry covering every possible scale you can think of.
While other magazines like the very popular Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman from Carstens, cover all bases from touching on news to modeling tips and tricks, MRN deals specifically with the latest models and gadgets on the market and gives you in-depth, expert advice and reviews on which are the best and perhaps which you may want to stay away from.
All in all if you are an avid modeler who wants to find out more information about a particular model or gadget for your layout Model Railroad News is a great resource for such.
For instance, here are a few things found within its pages here is some of what you can find in their monthly publications: club news, classified ads, in-depth reviews, industry news, national hobby show coverage, new product announcements, photos.
Recent Articles
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Canal Street Yard Assessment Stays Open Through December 7
Nov 09, 26 01:07 PM
The FRA signed the Canal Street Yard environmental assessment on November 6, 2026. Public inspection runs through December 7, and meeting dates are not confirmed. -
NS Legacy Cab-Signal Comments Are Due November 9
Nov 09, 26 01:05 PM
The FRA must receive comments by November 9, 2026, on a Norfolk Southern plan to drop legacy cab signals on 14 line segments and rely on positive train control. -
Elimination Grant of $27.8 Million Reaches Scott Road in Allen County
Nov 09, 26 12:53 PM
Allen County received $27,878,116, also stated as $27.8 million, to design and build a grade separation where Scott Road crosses Norfolk Southern. -
Vermont Receives $60.3 Million for the Western Corridor
Nov 09, 26 12:45 PM
Vermont will receive $60.3 million to rehabilitate about 60 miles of the Western Corridor. The delegation quote also calls the sum $60 million. -
Burlingame Grade Separation Wins a Federal Grant
Nov 09, 26 10:42 AM
Rep. Kevin Mullin said on November 5, 2026 that the FRA awarded $90.4 million for the Caltrain Broadway grade separation in Burlingame. Early work is expected in May 2027. -
Orange County Rail Line Gets a Coastal Permit
Nov 09, 26 10:18 AM
The California Coastal Commission on November 5, 2026 approved a 10-year permit for the San Clemente rail line, including about 690,000 cubic yards of sand. -
Railroad Quiet Zones Are Reinstated in St. Louis
Nov 09, 26 10:14 AM
St. Louis said on November 6, 2026 that the FRA reinstated the city quiet zones. Horns are to stop after railroad systems are updated. -
Southern Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 08, 26 01:58 PM
The Southern Pacific, from the December 2, 1865 charter and the Big Four to Sprint, the Rio Grande Industries purchase of 1988, and the Union Pacific merger of February 1, 1997. -
California Awards Flexible Rail Aid to Nine Projects
Nov 08, 26 01:15 PM
CalSTA on November 5, 2026 awarded $66.58 million in flexible State Rail Assistance to nine California projects. Each amount in the summary is a cap, printed as up to. -
CSX Leaves Three Days Out of the Weekly Reports
Nov 08, 26 12:02 PM
CSX told the Surface Transportation Board it cannot recover October 27-29 data for the EP 724 and EP 787 reports covering the week ending October 30, 2026. -
NJ Transit Advances Three Station Housing Projects
Nov 08, 26 11:56 AM
NJ Transit on November 5, 2026 advanced station projects in Jersey City, Bound Brook, and Morristown. The three are projected to add more than 1,000 homes. -
River Fox Train Wraps a Locomotive for America 250
Nov 08, 26 11:06 AM
The River Fox Train in West Sacramento wrapped a locomotive with America 250 markings, the American flag, and the Sacramento skyline. The wrap is expected to stay through 2027. -
California Keeps Metrolink Service in the 2027 Budget
Nov 07, 26 11:35 PM
Metrolink says a California State Transportation Agency grant lets the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget keep service at current levels. The board hearing is November 13, 2026. -
WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History
Nov 07, 26 04:37 PM
Western Maryland class M-2, twelve Baldwin 4-6-6-4s numbered 1201-1212, built in 1940 and 1941 for Hagerstown-Connellsville fast freight. Roster, specifications, and retirement in 1952-1953. -
Missouri Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Nov 07, 26 04:26 PM
Missouri Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, subsidiary lettering, and renumberings. Alco, Baldwin, Electro-Motive, and General Electric. Texas and Pacific locomotives are on th… -
Missouri Pacific Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Nov 07, 26 04:21 PM
Missouri Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury quantity column 1,439. Sedalia rebuilds counted once, 1,407 frames. Last steam was 0-6-0 9301 in November 1955. -
Missouri Pacific Railroad: Map, Locomotives, Logo, History
Nov 07, 26 04:19 PM
The Missouri Pacific was a large Midwestern that carried a long history of financial difficulty until later years. -
LIRR Service Changes Start on November 9
Nov 07, 26 03:15 PM
New Long Island Rail Road schedules start on every branch on Monday, November 9, 2026. Midday and weekend times change. Rush hour does not. Babylon service returns in stages. -
Draft EA Reviews Norfolk Southern Track in London, Ohio
Nov 07, 26 11:35 AM
The Surface Transportation Board environmental office issued a draft assessment on November 6, 2026, for about 0.96 miles of Norfolk Southern track in London, Ohio. Comments are due November 20. -
Metrolink Lines Will Not Run on Three Routes November 7
Nov 07, 26 10:53 AM
Metrolink will not run the Ventura County, Orange County, or Inland Empire-Orange County lines on November 7 and 8, 2026. The advisory says no substitute transportation will be provided. -
Hartford Line Adds a Weekday Round Trip on November 16
Nov 07, 26 10:48 AM
Connecticut said the Hartford Line adds a weekday New Haven-Hartford round trip on November 16, starts a morning train in Springfield, and extends weekend stops to Windsor and Windsor Locks. -
Board Issues a Policy Statement on Rail Preemption
Nov 07, 26 10:44 AM
The Surface Transportation Board placed a policy statement on public inspection for the November 9 Federal Register. It reviews existing preemption precedent and says it makes no binding determination… -
NJ Transit Restores Lines After the Newark Drawbridge Stop
Nov 07, 26 10:37 AM
NJ Transit said Morris and Essex service between Hackettstown and Dover, and Montclair-Boonton service between Hackettstown and Montclair State University, resumed after the Newark Drawbridge stop. -
EMD "SD35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:35 PM
EMD SD35, 2,500 horsepower, 16-cylinder 567D3A, built June 1964 through January 1966. 360 locomotives. Specifications and the production roster by owner, serial, and order. -
EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM
EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409… -
RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines
Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM
A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22… -
NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia
Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM
Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs. -
Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification
Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM
Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. -
OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub
Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM
OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase. -
Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern
Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM
Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000. -
BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad
Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM
BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is… -
Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale
Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM
Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only. -
CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records
Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM
CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total. -
New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service
Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM
CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106… -
Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says
Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM
Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board… -
FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM
Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters. -
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster
Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th… -
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM
The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924. -
Brightline Says Orlando Service Has Resumed
Nov 05, 26 11:55 AM
Brightline said on November 5, 2026, that trains to and from Orlando have resumed after weather suspensions in Brevard County. Later that morning the departures page still showed the Orlando segment s… -
Metra Customers Must Sign Up Again
Nov 05, 26 11:43 AM
Metra says customers who want service alerts must sign up again at metratracker.com. The November 2 story says the new system has launched and the old email list is shut down. A notice on the same pag… -
Norfolk Southern Packs Six Projects Into One Window
Nov 05, 26 11:38 AM
Norfolk Southern used one 26-hour window on the W Line for six projects in Indiana and Kentucky, including three bridge replacements. The October 27 account does not give the calendar day of the work. -
CSX: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 11:29 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a CSX petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant the waive… -
Brightline Expects Orlando Service on Thursday
Nov 05, 26 09:21 AM
Brightline said on November 4, 2026, that it expects trains to and from Orlando to resume on Thursday, November 5. South Florida stations kept running. The departures page still showed the Orlando seg… -
Union Pacific: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 09:15 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a Union Pacific petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant… -
Wisconsin Opens Comments on the 2027 Freight Plan
Nov 05, 26 09:03 AM
WisDOT opened the draft 2027 State Freight Plan for comment through December 1, 2026. The plan covers freight rail with highways, harbors, aviation, and intermodal links. Completion is expected in sum… -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 3.5 Percent in the Week Ending October 31
Nov 05, 26 08:52 AM
U.S. railroads moved 514,080 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 31, 2026, up 3.5 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said on November 4. -
Muni and Bay Area Transit Measures Pass
Nov 05, 26 08:49 AM
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said on November 4, 2026 that Proposition H and a regional transit measure passed. Proposition H is about 160 million dollars a year for Muni. The regiona… -
Ground Rules Set for Responsive Applications
Nov 05, 26 08:47 AM
Decision No. 46, served November 4, 2026, denies a request to add Walsenburg to the Union Pacific interchange list and sets what CPKC and CN must include in responsive applications. Four CPKC proposal… -
Video of the Vena Address Must Be Released
Nov 05, 26 08:42 AM
The Surface Transportation Board on November 4, 2026 denied the Union Pacific appeal and ordered the March 17 shipper-conference recording released to the parties by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 5. C… -
Chicago & North Western Iron Ore C628s
Nov 04, 26 11:47 PM
Chicago and North Western C628s 6701-6730, the ex-Norfolk and Western high-hoods, in Upper Peninsula iron-ore service from the mid-1970s until December 21, 1986, and what happened to each unit.
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