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.
Jan 25, 2015
The Connellsville Extension
The Connellsville Extension was the unsuccessful dream of then-owner George Gould's attempt at creating the first, true transcontinental railroad during the early 1900s.
Jan 23, 2015
The Polar Express Train Rides, 2015
Looking for dates and locations of Polar Express train rides, and similar Christmas excursions, for 2015? You can find them all here.
Jan 23, 2015
Passenger Train Travel, A State Guide
Learn more about passenger train travel using this state by state guide to see where Amtrak's intercity connections operate.
Jan 19, 2015
Union Pacific's Commemorative Fleet
Union Pacific's "Commemorative Fleet" includes a roster of six SD70ACe diesels that wear special, heritage-inspired liveries of companies which partially comprise today's UP system.
Jan 18, 2015
The EMD SD70 Series
The EMD SD70 series was first introduced in 1992 and has been very successful for the builder, allowing it to remain competitve against GE as it is still in production.
Jan 17, 2015
The EMD E Series
The EMD E series was the manufacturer's successful line of passenger diesels which spanned nearly 30 years of production from the 1930s to 1960s.
Jan 16, 2015
General Electric Diesel Locomotives
The history of General Electric diesel locomotives can be traced back to the early 20th century although the company did not begin cataloging its own models until the late 1950s.
Jan 15, 2015
The Canadian Locomotive Company
The Canadian Locomotive Company, or CLC, was a long-time manufacturer dating back to the 19th century. It is best remember as an arm of Fairbanks Morse.
Jan 15, 2015
The Baldwin DT-6-6-2000
The Baldwin DT-6-6-2000 was cataloged in the late 1940s as a transfer switcher. While other builders like Alco also built similar models railroad found no need for such a design and few sold.
Jan 15, 2015
The Baldwin S-12
The Baldwin S-12 was one of the final switchers the company released, and it sold quite well given its heftier 1,200 horsepower.
Jan 15, 2015
The Union Pacific's Gas Turbine Locomotive Fleet, GTELs
The Union Pacific's gas turbine locomtive, also known as the GTEL for short, followed its steam turbine design. Despite heavy fuel consumption the GTEL fleet remained in service for about 20 years.
Continue reading "The Union Pacific's Gas Turbine Locomotive Fleet, GTELs"
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco C415
Learn about why the Alco C415 was an unsuccessful attempt by the builder to remain relevant in the locomotive market.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco RSD15 Alligator
The Alco RSD15, "Alligators," were a railfan favorite although railroads were less enthusiastic about them in service. A few remain preserved today.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco RS11
The late-model Alco RS11 proved successful but eventually lost footing to GE. More than 400 were built by the time production ended in 1964.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco RSD4
The Alco RSD4 was an early six-axle road-switcher based from the RS3 design that was not well received by railroads.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco RS3
The Alco RS3 proved to be the builder's bestselling road-switcher by far with some still in service today.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco RSC2
One of the original six-axle road switchers, the Alco RSC2 was only marginally successful.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco/EMD MRS-1
The MRS-1, which stood for "Military Road Service," was a special road-switcher designed by Alco and EMD for the US Military in the 1950s. Today, several survive.
Jan 14, 2015
Alco PA, Beauty Queen of Diesels
Arguably the most beautiful diesel locomotive ever built, sadly no Alco PAs were originally preserved. Today, one is under restoration.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco FA Cab Locomotive
Learn about the history of the Alco FA and why it proved popular with railfans more so than with railroads.
Jan 14, 2015
The DL Series
While only marginally successful the Alco DL series was essentially the company's entry into the main line diesel locomotive market.
Jan 14, 2015
The Alco Century Series
The Alco Century series was the company's final attempt to stay relevant in the diesel locomotive market. Learn about all of the various models of the series and the numbers produced.
Jan 14, 2015
The Montreal Locomotive Works
The Montreal Locomotive Works, or MLW, was a Canadian manufacturer of locomotives that was acquired by Alco. It ceased production in 1985.
Jan 14, 2015
The Chessie Steam Special
The Chessie Steam Special was a unique, six-month excursion during 1977 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Chessie System and the B&O.
Jan 14, 2015
The American Freedom Train
The American Freedom Train was a special consist designed by Ross Rowland to celebrate America's Bicentennial in 1976. Its success is still talked about today.
Jan 14, 2015
The 21st Century Steam Program
The 21st Century Steam Program was an initiative launched by Norfolk Southern in 2011 showcasing historic steam locomotives in operation along its system pulling special excursions during the year.
Jan 14, 2015
Union Pacific's Steam Program
There is no other steam program currently out there that compares to Union Pacific's, which operates the most most powerful locomotives in the country. Soon, Big Boy #4014 will join the fleet.
Jan 14, 2015
The Union Pacific #4014
Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 is the latest star in the railroad's growing collection of heritage steam locomotives. It was announced the 4-8-8-4 will be restored to active service in July, 2013.
Jan 14, 2015
The Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3985
The 3985 is a 4-6-6-4 Challenger steam locomotive owned by Union Pacific and is the largest still in operation as part of the railroad's heritage steam program. It is based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Recent Articles
-
The Connellsville Extension
Jan 25, 15 10:40 AM
The Connellsville Extension was the unsuccessful dream of then-owner George Gould's attempt at creating the first, true transcontinental railroad during the early 1900s.
-
The Polar Express Train Rides, 2015
Jan 23, 15 03:54 PM
Looking for dates and locations of Polar Express train rides, and similar Christmas excursions, for 2015? You can find them all here.
-
Passenger Train Travel, A State Guide
Jan 23, 15 09:35 AM
Learn more about passenger train travel using this state by state guide to see where Amtrak's intercity connections operate.
Thomas The Train
Streamliners At Spencer
The "Big Boy" #4014 Project
Norfolk Southern's "Heritage Program"
Fall Foliage Excursions, Where To Ride
"The Polar Express" Excursions, Dates And Locations
Fallen Flags
Classic Streamliners
A Historical Timeline
Famous Landmarks
Diesel Locomotives
Steam Locomotives
Freight Equipment
Class Is
Book Reviews
The States
Amtrak
Electric Locomotives
Class II "Regionals"
Class III "Short Lines"