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Seaboard Air Line Railroad: Map, Rosters, History

Last revised: October 12, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Seaboard Air Line was another of the South's notable railroads, competing fiercely against Atlantic Coast Line and Southern Railway.  The SAL was somewhat smaller than the ACL and never as wealthy as the Southern.  

The company struggled in its early days and later experienced a bankruptcy after the Great Depression.  It eventually got back onto its feet, pulled through these troubled times, and spent its final three decades as a profitable railroad.  

When the streamliner craze hit the nation Seaboard beat its rival in launching the Silver Meteor, which began a highly successful passenger business to the Sunshine State until Amtrak in 1971.  

After more than 100 years of continued competition, the ACL and SAL agreed to a union in the 1960s forming Seaboard Coast Line.  

As many of the South's largest railroads came together the Seaboard System was formed in the early 1980's.  This large conglomerate went on to join CSX Transportation a few years later.  Today, parts of the Seaboard network are still owned by CSX while others are operated by short lines.

Photos

237237527357826983489747489.jpgOne of the Seaboard Air Line's rare, Baldwin-built DR-6-4-1500s, #2702, at Tampa, Florida on February 21, 1962. Warren Calloway collection.

History

The Seaboard Air Line carries an interesting name.  It did not operate airplanes, had no connection with the airline industry, and the name "Air Line" was part of its corporate heritage more than thirty years before the Wright Brothers' First Flight!  

The term was largely a marketing gimmick used by early promoters to describe a high-speed, arrow-straight railroad that was built with high fills, deep cuts, and towering bridges to achieve a low-grade route which passed high above the surrounding landscape.  

The term became popular during the 19th century and was a particular favorite of early interurban builders.  However, as everyone soon realized, such a well-engineered line proved far too expensive to be built at a reasonable cost.  The history of the Seaboard Air Line began long before acquiring its unique name.  

Portsmouth & Roanoke Rail Road

It started humbly, as did most railroads in those days, to serve the Norfolk region.  On March 8, 1832 the Portsmouth & Roanoke Rail Road (P&R) was granted a charter by the Virginia General Assembly to connect Portsmouth, Virginia with Weldon, North Carolina running in a southwesterly direction.  The initial 17 miles opened to Suffolk on September 4, 1834.

However, three more years would pass before the entire 78.6 miles was completed, opening for business in June of 1837.  

Here, the road made a connection with its future rival, Atlantic Coast Line predecessor Wilmington & Raleigh.  Beset with financial struggles the P&R entered receivership and was reorganized as the Seaboard & Roanoke in 1846.  

1927418275981235238738629627463264.jpgAn EMD builder's photo from March, 1948 featuring new Seaboard Air Line F3A #4024. Warren Calloway collection.

Expansion

There was little further growth for more than 20 years until after the Civil War.  In 1871 the P&R gained control of the Raleigh & Gaston, a system that had been incorporated in 1835 to connect Raleigh with Gaston, North Carolina (not far from Weldon).  Its construction began in 1836 but monetary issues caused delays and it was not finished until March 21, 1840.  

According to Mike Schafer's book, "More Classic American Railroads," despite its completion the road continued to founder, which led to the state of North Carolina becoming involved in 1845  

It oversaw things for several years including the 1853 opening of an interchange with the P&R at Weldon.  This link provided a continuous, all-rail route from Raleigh to the Norfolk area.

1872412654789215125792369582896.jpgSeaboard Air Line FT's lead a freight extra through Hamlet, North Carolina in the summer of 1960. Wiley Bryan photo/Warren Calloway collection.

The R&G takeover also gave the P&R control of the Raleigh & Augusta Air-Line Railroad which the former road controlled.  This was the first time "Air Line" appeared as part of a Seaboard predecessor. 

The R&AA-L began as the Chatham Railroad, chartered by the state in February 14, 1855 (from the 1877 booklet, "History Of The Raleigh & August Air-Line Railroad" compiled by Walter Clark, Attorney At Law) to build a rail line, "...between Deep River, at or near the Coalfields, in the county of Chatham, and the City of Raleigh or some point on the North Carolina Railroad."  

The project was riddled with delays and finally reorganized as the Raleigh & Augusta Air-Line in 1871.  It eventually reached Hamlet in 1877 which in later years was a major SAL terminal point.  

With a route that now extended through North Carolina the three roads offered a competitive network serving several important cities.  The South was also blossoming into an industrial giant in the area of cotton, agriculture/farming, textiles, and manufacturing.

The Seaboard Air Line Railroad logo. Author's work.

Together the R&G, P&R, and R&AA-L formed the backbone of the future Seaboard Air Line.  It was all tied together by businessman John M. Robinson who had acquired financial control of the trio in 1875.  

As a marketing tactic they were collectively known as the "Seaboard Air-Line System."  The name initially had no legal authority although as Robinson continued to extend southward that would change.  The first known official use of "Seaboard Air Line" appeared when it was pushing towards Atlanta.

It had already acquired the Georgia, Carolina & Northern Railway which intended to reach that city from Monroe, North Carolina.  Construction began in 1887 and was completed as far as Inman Park, east of Atlanta, by 1892.  

However, an ordinance prevented it from reaching the city directly.  To circumvent this issue the Seaboard Air Line Belt Railroad (SALB) was chartered in 1892 to build an 8-mile branch and a connection with the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis at Howells.  From there the SALB utilized trackage rights over the Dixie Line to reach the downtown area.  

Just prior to this event Robinson would link Rutherfordton and Wilmington, North Carolina via Charlotte and Hamlet by acquiring the Carolina Central Railroad in 1883.  Rail service between these cities opened in 1887.

Seaboard Air Line F3A #4026, and other power, lays over in Alexandria, Virginia; July 21, 1963. American-Rails.com collection.

His railroad empire had now grown into a major regional system.  With an eye towards further expansion into the Deep South a subsidiary known as the Palmetto Railroad was formed.  It was chartered in 1882 in South Carolina and a year later in North Carolina.  

It had constructed 18 miles from Hamlet to Cheraw, South Carolina by 1887 before Robinson lost control of his empire in 1899.  In February that year Richmond bankers John L. Williams & Sons acquired a majority interest and looked to continue expansion.  

On July 1, 1900 they formed the Seaboard Air Line Railway to acquire all assets of the Robinson holdings and extend service both north and south (in 1901 the predecessors were officially merged into the new company).  One goal was already well underway, a direct link to the important city of Richmond.  

Robinson had already been pushing towards that city through the Richmond, Petersburg & Carolina.  It ran from a connection with the Raleigh & Gaston at Norlina, North Carolina and was ready for service by May of 1900.

Seaboard Air Line 2-8-2 #392 is seen here in service during the 1950s. Location not recorded. Ed Olsen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Now under new ownership the William interests pushed southward and were well positioned to transform the Seaboard into a major southern system.  They already held stakes in two prominent railroads connecting parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  

The Georgia & Alabama, incorporated in 1853, linked Montgomery with Savannah running via Vidalia, Americus, and Richland.  The much larger Florida Central & Peninsular joined Jacksonville with Tallahassee and then pushed south to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.

It also ran north into Georgia and South Carolina at Savannah and Columbia.  The only thing the Williams' had left to do in opening a through route from Richmond to Florida was build a new stretch from the FC&P's end of track at Columbia to the Palmetto Railroad at Cheraw .  

According to Richard Prince's book, "Seaboard Air Line Railway: Steam Boats, Locomotives, And History," this 91-mile link began construction in 1899 and was completed from Cheraw to the FC&P at Cayce (on the west side of the Congaree River in Columbia) in 1900.

129471284128751982518725196986.jpgSeaboard Air Line E4A #3007 at Washington, D.C.'s Ivy City terminal circa 1939. Photo by Wiley Bryan from the Warren Calloway Collection; colorized by Tom Alderman.

Modern Network

The Seaboard's next major expansion occurred directly after this gap was closed.  It created the Atlanta & Birmingham Air Line Railway to acquire the bankrupt assets of the East & West Railroad of Alabama (E&W) in April of 1902.  

The E&W had already completed a segment from Cartersville, north of Atlanta, to Pell City, Alabama, east of Birmingham.  

The latter goal was the Seaboard's target.  By 1904 the link was established when a new route was built from Coal City, Alabama to Birmingham (37 miles) as well as a 43-mile direct connection to Atlanta via Rockmart.  With this line now in service the company focused its attention back east. 

The Georgetown & Western Railroad, serving northeastern segments of South Carolina, had been in receivership since 1902.  Realizing an opportunity to open new markets here the SAL purchased its assets in 1912, renaming it the Carolina, Atlantic & Western.  

The Seaboard went on to acquire other small, nearby properties which by 1915 gave it a connection to Charleston, Georgetown, Hartsville and Sumter from its end-of-track at Gibson, North Carolina and main line at McBee, South Carolina.  

It then built new trackage from Charleston to Savannah (90 miles).  The entire Hamlet - Charleston - Savannah line became SAL's primary freight route since it offered much easier grades than the line through Columbia.

System Map (1940)

Its very last expansion came just prior to the Great Depression when it opened a line to Miami in 1927 through subsidiaries Florida Western & Northern and the Seaboard-All Florida Railroad.  

With this link the Florida East Coast Railway, a system which had largely established the city, no longer had a monopoly down the state's Atlantic coast line.  

At this time the Seaboard reached its largest size with a network of nearly 4,500 route miles.  Unfortunately, trouble lay just over the horizon.  The depression proved extremely detrimental and it fell into bankruptcy, remaining there for more than a decade.  

However, it persevered through the 1930's by replacing some steam locomotives with diesels and launching the new streamliner, Silver Meteor, in 1939.   Its transition into a prominent southeastern railroad began at this time as it continued to improve.  

The company showed strong recovery through the World War II years by handling around 33 million tons of freight in single year during the conflict (1943).  It also began implementing Centralized Traffic Control for more efficient and safe operations on a largely single-tracked main line.

468669694_10170601993200529_1205911838131251953_n.jpgSeaboard Air Line's colorful sign announcing the entrance to its shops and division point at Hamlet, North Carolina in 1967. Warren Calloway photo.

At A Glance

Headquarters
Norfolk, Virginia
States Served
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida
Dates Of Operation
September 4, 1834 - June 30, 1967
Formation Date
July 1, 1900
Genesis
Portsmouth & Roanoke Rail Road (March 8, 1832)
Route Miles
4,145.19 (1952)
Track Gauge
4 Feet, 8 ½ Inches
Principal Lines

Richmond, Virginia - Jacksonville - Homestead, Florida

Coleman - St. Petersburg, Florida

Hamlet, North Carolina - Charleston, South Carolina - Savannah, Georgia

Norlina, North Carolina - Norfolk, Virginia

Hamlet - Birmingham

Savannah - Montgomery

Baldwin - Chattahoochee, Florida

Baldwin - Gross, Florida

Waldo - Sulphur Springs, Florida

Plant City - Fort Myers, Florida

Durant - Venice, Florida

Hull - Port Boca Grande, Florida

Valrico - West Lake Wales, Florida

Coleman - West Lake Wales - Miami

Diesel Locomotive Fleet (1963)
531
Rolling Stock (1963)

Freight Cars: 27,560

Passenger Cars: 446

Slogan
Through The Heart Of The South
Reporting Mark
SAL
Successor
Seaboard Coast Line

In Sam Appleby, Jr.'s article, "Throughout The Heart Of The South" from the February, 1949 issue of Trains Magazine, the first segment to feature CTC was the Richmond Division completed in 1941.  

Prior to decade's end CTC had been installed as far south as Raleigh and by 1965 was covering close to 1,700 miles of the SAL's network.  

The railroad continued its modernization program by retiring its steam fleet completely in 1952.  It was never as wealthy as the Coast Line and as such did not maintain a similar high-speed, double-tracked main line to Florida.  Nevertheless, by the 1960's it was one of the South's premier Class I systems.  B

y its latter years the Seaboard had quite a diverse freight traffic base which included agriculture, aggregates, cement, perishables, and iron ore. It likewise was one of the first to champion the trailer-on-flat-car (TOFC) concept in 1950.  

The Seaboard also had an extensive and popular passenger train fleet.  In addition to the aforementioned Meteor other famous trains included the Orange Blossom Special (also known as the OBS), PalmlandSuwanee River Special, and Silver Star.  

182816421785918757185915689268927900988.jpgSeaboard Air Line F3A #4027 and GP9 #1972 at Hialeah, Florida during September of 1963. Warren Calloway photo.

Passenger Trains

Cotton Blossom: (Washington - Atlanta)

Gulf Wind: (Jacksonville - New Orleans)

New York-Florida Limited: (New York - Miami/St. Petersburg)

Orange Blossom Special: (New York - Miami)

Palmland: (New York - Tampa/Miami/Boca Grande)

Silver Comet: (New York/Portsmouth - Birmingham)

Silver Meteor: (New York - Miami/St. Petersburg/Venice/Fort Meyers)

Silver Star: (New York - Miami/St. Petersburg/Venice/Boca Grande)

Sunland: (Washington/Portsmouth - Miami/Venice)

Suwanee River Special: (Cincinnati - Florida)

Tidewater:  (Raleigh/Norlina, North Carolina - Portsmouth, Virginia)

958476171561782698861270909.jpgA trio of new GP40s lead a string of trailers southbound out of Hermitage Yard in Richmond, Virginia as the train approaches Hermitage Road during the spring of 1967. American-Rails.com collection.

Because the Floridian market remained strong through the 1960's the Seaboard, like the Coast Line, posted strong ridership during an era when most other carriers were significantly reducing services.

These numbers remained strong through the Seaboard Coast Line years until Amtrak took over on May 1, 1971.  Because of this and the markets served some of SAL's trains survived under the new carrier (Silver Meteor and Silver Star). 

In 1958 the Seaboard and Atlantic Coast Line began studying the possibility of merger, realizing a marriage could reduce expenses by combining lines and terminals since the railroads served many of the same places. 

191827581275981038927680960977.jpgSeaboard Air Line E8As with Train #3 in Raleigh, North Carolina, circa 1965. Warren Calloway photo.

Diesel Roster

American Locomotive Company

Model Type Road Number Date Built Quantity
RS11100-109196010
C420110-1361965-196627
S1120119411
S21403-1405, 1425-14341942-194613
S41482-1491195310
RSC21500-15311947-194932
RSC31532-15431950-195112
RS21600-16281949-195029
RS31629-16841950-195256

Baldwin Locomotive Works

Model Type Road Number Date Built Quantity
VO-660120219411
VO-10001400-14161941-194517
DS-4-4-10001417-1424, 1435-14611946-195135
S121462-1465, 1476-14811952-195310
DR-6-4-1500 (Babyface)2700-27021947-19483
DR-12-8-3000 (Centipede)4500-45131947-194814

Electro-Motive Division

Model Type Road Number Date Built Quantity
GP18400-409196010
GP30500-5341962-196335
GP35535-544196510
GP40600-6501966-196751
SDP351100-1119196420
SW1120019391
NW21406-141219427
GP71700-1711, 1730-18221950-1952105
GP91900-1929, 1954-19791955-195956
E4A3000-30131938-193914
E4B3100-31041938-19395
E6A3014-30161940-19413
E7A3017-30481945-194932
E7B3105-310719483
E8A3049-30591950-195211
E9A306019631
FTA4000-40211942-194422
FTB4100-41211942-194422
F3A4022-4032194811

General Electric

Model Type Road Number Date Built Quantity
U30B800-814196715
920934761653178910yg1y679-89.jpgSeaboard Air Line 2-8-2 #446 is seen here in service, possibly in the Carolinas, during the 1940s. Ed Olsen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Steam Roster

The Seaboard Air Line's slogan "Through The Heart Of The South" was not just a catchy advertisement.  As one of the big three Class 1 systems in the region it truly did serve most of the southeast. 

Despite its eastern seaboard location, the SAL's main line ran through the rolling hills of the Carolina Piedmont as well as the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains to reach Atlanta as well Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama.

As a result, the railroad did operate small fleets of larger wheel arrangements like the 2-8-8-2 and 2-6-6-4 for fast freight service between Hamlet and Richmond, as well as 2-10-0s (another fast freight engine operating between Montgomery-Savannah and Montgomery-Bainbridge), and 2-10-2s (Hamlet-Charlotte-Rutherfordton).

Generally speaking, the SAL utilized 2-8-0s and 2-8-2s for freight service and 4-6-0s, 4-6-2s, and 4-8-2s for passenger service.  The railroad officially recognized 1953 as the year steam ended in main line service although George Drury notes in his book, "Guide To North American Steam Locomotives," that a lone 0-4-0T continued to handle switching work along the street trackage in Columbus, Georgia until 1959.

195827361275981816008718078.jpgSeaboard Air Line 2-6-6-4 #2503 (R-1) assists a pair of FT's in freight service, circa 1945. No location provided. These steamers were later sold to the B&O in 1947. Ed Olsen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Switchers

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Numbers Quantity Builder Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
0-6-0 No Class 123 1 Richmond (Alco) 1900 Sold in 1917. ex-Georgetown & Western
0-6-0 No Class 125 1 PRR 1903 1930 ex-Jefferson Construction Co.
0-4-0 No Class 468 1 Baldwin 1901 1917 ex-Georgetown & Western
0-4-0T No Class 1002 1 Baldwin 1912 1936 -
0-4-0T No Class 1003 1 Baldwin 1913 1936 -
0-4-2T No Class 1000 1 Porter 1900 1914 ex-Columbia Belt Line
0-4-0T No Class 1001 1 Baldwin 1936 1959 -
0-6-0 No Class 1000, 1001 2 Baldwin 1907 1930 ex-Georgia, Florida & Alabama and ex-Tampa Northern Railroad
0-6-0 No Class 1026 1 Baldwin 1915 1937 ex-Carolina, Atlantic & Western
0-6-0 F-2 1016-1020 5 Rhode Island (Alco) 1900 1935 -
0-6-0 F-3 1006-1009 4 Pittsburgh (Alco) 1900 1930 -
0-6-0 F-4 1010-1015 6 Pittsburgh 1901 1930 -
0-6-0 F-5 1090-1099 10 Cooke (Alco) 1918 1952 -
0-6-0 F-7 1101-1150 50 Baldwin 1927-1928 1953 -
0-6-0 L-5 1030-1059 30 Baldwin 1907-1913 -1952 -
0-8-0 F-9 1175-1179 5 Pittsburgh 1904-1905 -1949 ex-Elgin, Joliet & Eastern, former 2-8-0s

Freight Locomotives

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Numbers Quantity Builder Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
2-8-2 Q 300-318 19 Richmond 1914 -1952
2-8-2 Q-2 319-333 15 Schenectady 1922 -1952
2-8-2 Q-3 334-451 118 Schen, BLW, Richmond 1923-1931 -1955
2-8-2 Q-4 480-487 8 Rich, BLW 1912 1946-1950 Ex-Wabash
2-8-2 Q-1 490-499 10 Schenectady 1918 1950 USRA
2-10-0 (Russian Decapod) D 500-520 21 Richmond (Alco) 1918 1951 -
2-10-0 (Russian Decapod) D-1 521, 522 2 Baldwin 1918 1949, 1950 -
2-10-0 D-2 523-528 6 Baldwin 1924, 1926 1951-1953 ex-GF&A
2-10-0 D-3 529-536 8 Baldwin 1930 1952-1953 -
2-10-0 (Russian Decapod) D-4 540-546 7 Brook (Alco)s 1918 1949-1950 -n
2-10-0 (Russian Decapod) D-5 547-550 4 Baldwin, Richmond (Alco), Brooks (Alco) 1918 1949-1951 -
2-8-0 H-1 900-919 20 Baldwin 1911 -1950
2-8-0 920-924 5 Baldwin 1906-1913 1946, 1949 Ex-GF&A 200-204
2-8-0 925, 926 2 Baldwin 1910, 1911 1933, 1936 Ex-CH&N 17, 18
2-8-0 927, 928 2 Richmond 1913 1949, 1941 Ex-CH&N 50, 51
2-8-0 929-932 4 Baldwin 1920 1950-1951 Ex-CH&N 71-74
2-8-0 H-2 933-937 5 Schenectady 1910-1912 1948-1949 Ex-Chicago & North Western
2-8-0 954, 955 2 Baldwin 1900 1916 Ex-Georgetown & Western
2-8-0 L-3 970-989 20 Richmond 1902-1903 -1935
2-8-0 H 990-999 10 Baldwin 1904 -1938
2-10-2 B 2400-2409 10 Baldwin 1918 1948-1950 -
2-10-2 B-1 2485-2499 15 Baldwin 1919 1950-1953 -

Passenger Locomotives

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Numbers Quantity Builder Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
4-4-0 101 101 1 Baldwin 1905 1936 ex-GF&A
4-4-0 103 103 1 Baldwin 1913 1933 ex-Charlotte Harbor & Northern
4-4-0 122 122 1 Baldwin 1901 1924 ex-Georgetown & Western
4-4-0 166 166 1 Baldwin 1914 1936 ex-CA&W
4-4-0 G-1 180-184 5 Rhode Island (Alco) 1900 1903 -
4-4-0 G-2 185-199 15 Baldwin 1900 1933 -
4-8-2 M 200-214 15 Richmond (Alco), Schenectady (Alco) 1914, 1917 1950 -
4-8-2 M-1 215-224 10 Schenectady (Alco) 1922 1952 -
4-8-2 M-2 235-270 36 Baldwin 1924-1926 1954 -
4-6-0 I-5 581 1 Richmond (Alco) 1900 1916 -
4-6-0 L-2 600-649 49 Richmond (Alco), Baldwin 1902-1907 1936-1950 -
4-6-0 L-4-S 650, 651, 655-657, 660-664 10 Baldwin 1910 1952 Rebuilt in 1933 from Class K 4-6-0s.
4-6-0 L-2-S 652-654, 659 4 Baldwin 1910 1950 Rebuilt in 1933 from Class K 4-6-0s.
4-6-0 K 658 1 Baldwin 1910 1940 -
4-6-0 I-12 671-680 10 Baldwin 1909-1913 1936-1948 ex-CA&W
4-6-0 I-13 681-683 3 Baldwin 1915 1946 ex-CA&W
4-6-0 684-688 5 Baldwin 1901-1906 1930, 1936 ex-GF&A
4-6-0 689 1 Baldwin 1910 1934 ex-CH&N
4-6-0 L-4 690, 692 2 Baldwin 1907 1930 ex-Tampa Northern Railroad
4-6-0 17 693-695 3 Baldwin 1914 1936, 1933 ex-Tampa & Gulf Coast
4-6-2 P-1 800-849 50 Baldwin, Richmond (Alco) 1912-1913 1952 -
4-6-2 P 851-870 20 Richmond (Alco), Baldwin 1911-1913 1951 -
4-6-2 P-4 871-880 10 Baldwin 1909, 1911 1952 -
4-6-0 I-5 1575-1599 24 Richmond (Alco) 1900-1901 1928-1933 -

Articulated Designs

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Numbers Quantity Builder Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
2-8-8-2 A 500-515 16 Richmond 1917-1918 Sold to the B&O in 1920. -
2-6-6-4 R-1 2500-2504 5 Baldwin 1935 Sold to the B&O in 1947. -
2-6-6-4 R-2 2505-2509 5 Baldwin 1937 Sold to the B&O in 1947. -
6210858011884uwh7yt19848010717.jpgA trio of Seaboard's new GP40s, nicknamed "Jolly Green Giants" (thanks to their light green livery), lead a manifest through Cary, North Carolina in 1966. Warren Calloway photo.

Seaboard Coast Line

While the SAL and ACL were competitors, similar to the Pennsylvania and New York Central that merged during the same period, their planning would pay off through the new Seaboard Coast Line formed on July 1, 1967.

Thanks to the ACL's many holdings SCL controlled several other profitable systems including the Clinchfield, Louisville & Nashville, and West Point Route.  The group went on to form the new marketing name known as "The Family Lines."  

The moniker held no corporate power until December 29, 1982 when they were formally merged into the Seaboard System.  The holding company, CSX Corporation, had been created on November 1, 1980 to eventually join the Seaboard roads and Chessie System lines into one giant conglomerate.  

That railroad was formed on July 1, 1986 when CSX Transportation (CSXT) was born.  It immediately absorbed the Seaboard System predecessors while the Chessie's subsidiaries, B&O and Chesapeake & Ohio, disappeared a year later in 1987 (the Western Maryland had vanished in 1983).

Public Timetables (August, 1952)

2990273542364263723573684939878.jpg
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    Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have told federal regulators they will submit a revised merger application on April 30, restarting the formal review process for what would become one of the most co…

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  12. CTDOT May Swap Shore Line East’s Electrics For Diesels

    Feb 18, 26 04:20 PM

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    Connecticut’s Shore Line East (SLE) commuter rail service—one of the state’s most scenic and strategically important passenger corridors—could soon see a major operational change.

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  13. NPS Awards $1.93M To Sioux City Railroad Museum

    Feb 18, 26 01:21 PM

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    The Sioux City Railroad Museum has received a $1.93 million National Park Service grant aimed at pushing the museum’s long recovery from the June 2024 flooding.

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  14. $1.3M Mott Foundation Grant To Help Rebuild Rio Grande 2-8-2 No. 464

    Feb 18, 26 09:43 AM

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    A $1.3 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will fund critical work on steam locomotive No. 464, the railroad’s 1903-built 2-8-2 “Mikado” that has been out of service awaiting heavy…

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  15. NS Unveils Third “Landmark Series” Locomotive

    Feb 18, 26 09:38 AM

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    Norfolk Southern has officially introduced ES44AC No. 8184, the third locomotive in its new “Landmark Series,” a program that spotlights the historic rail cities and communities that helped shape both…

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  16. WMSR's Georges Creek Division: Reviving A Long-Dormant Line

    Feb 18, 26 09:34 AM

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    In 2024 the WMSR announced it was rebuilding part of the old WM. The Georges Creek Division will provide both heritage passenger service and future freight potential in a region once defined by coal…

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  17. Chesapeake & Ohio 614 Restoration Pushes Forward

    Feb 18, 26 09:32 AM

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    One of the most recognizable mainline steam locomotives to survive the post–steam era, C&O 614, is steadily moving through an intensive return-to-service overhaul.

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  18. Montana Dinner Train Rides Near Lewistown

    Feb 18, 26 09:30 AM

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    The Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns an ordinary rail trip into an evening event: scenery, storytelling, live entertainment, and a hearty dinner served as the train rumbles across trestles and into a t…

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  19. Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom

    Feb 18, 26 09:18 AM

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    Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book.

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  20. Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 18, 26 09:09 AM

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    Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride.

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  21. New Jersey Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 18, 26 09:06 AM

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    There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon!

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  22. Huckleberry Railroad: Riding Narrow-Gauge Steam In Michigan!

    Feb 18, 26 09:03 AM

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    The Huckleberry Railroad is a tourist attraction that is part of the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Park located in Flint, Michigan featuring several operating steam locomotives.

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  23. New York & Lake Erie Unveils M636 No. 636 In New Colors (2025)

    Feb 17, 26 02:05 PM

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    In mid-May 2025, railfans along the former Erie rails in Western New York were treated to a sight that feels increasingly rare in North American railroading: a big M636 in new paint.

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  24. First Siemens “Northlander” Trainset Arrives In Ontario

    Feb 17, 26 11:46 AM

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    Ontario’s long-awaited return of the Northlander passenger train took a major step forward this winter with the arrival of the first brand-new Siemens-built trainset in the province.

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  25. Sound Transit Set to Launch Cross-Lake Service

    Feb 17, 26 10:09 AM

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    For the first time in the region’s modern transit era, Sound Transit light rail trains will soon carry passengers directly across Lake Washington

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  26. Michigan’s Old Road Dinner Train Still Seeks New Home

    Feb 17, 26 10:04 AM

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    In May, 2025 it was announced that Michigan's Old Road Dinner Train was seeking a new home to continue operations. As of this writing that search continues.

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  27. WMSR Acquires Conemaugh & Black Lick SW7 No. 111

    Feb 17, 26 10:00 AM

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    In a notable late-summer preservation move, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) announced in August 2025 that it had acquired former Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad (C&BL) EMD SW7 No. 111.

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  28. MBTA Unveils New Haven-Inspired Locomotive

    Feb 17, 26 09:58 AM

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    he Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has pulled back the curtain on its newest heritage locomotive, F40PH-3C No. 1071, wearing a bold, New Haven–inspired paint scheme that pays tribute to the…

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  29. Missouri Dinner Train Rides In Branson

    Feb 17, 26 09:53 AM

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    Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Branson Scenic Railway offers one of the most distinctive rail experiences in the Midwest—pairing classic passenger railroading with sweeping mountain scenery a…

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  30. Texas Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 17, 26 09:49 AM

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    Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas.

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  31. Connecticut Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 17, 26 09:48 AM

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    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.

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  32. RTA To Become The Northern Illinois Transit Authority

    Feb 16, 26 12:49 PM

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    Later this year, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)—the umbrella agency that plans and funds public transportation across the Chicago region—will be reorganized into a new entity: the Norther…

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  33. CPKC Holiday Train Sets New Record In 2025

    Feb 16, 26 11:06 AM

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    Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) beloved Holiday Train wrapped up its 2025 tour with a milestone that underscores just how powerful a community tradition can become.

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  34. Historic Izaak Walton Inn Slated To Close

    Feb 16, 26 10:51 AM

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    A storied rail-side landmark in northwest Montana—the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex—appears headed for an abrupt shutdown, with employees reportedly told their work will end “on or about March 6, 2026.”

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  35. B&O Railroad Museum Unveils Restored American Freedom Train No. 1

    Feb 16, 26 10:31 AM

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    The B&O Railroad Museum has completed a comprehensive cosmetic restoration of American Freedom Train No. 1, the patriotic 4-8-4 steam locomotive that helped pull the famed American Freedom Train durin…

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  36. Union Pacific, Wabtec Ink $1.2B Deal To Modernize AC4400 Fleet

    Feb 16, 26 10:25 AM

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    Union Pacific has signed a $1.2 billion agreement with Wabtec to modernize a significant portion of its GE AC4400 fleet, doubling down on the strategy of rebuilding proven high-horsepower road units r…

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  37. CSX Taps Wabtec For $670M Locomotive And Digital Upgrade

    Feb 16, 26 10:19 AM

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    CSX Transportation says it is moving to refresh and standardize a major piece of its operating fleet, announcing a $670 million agreement with Wabtec.

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  38. New Mexico "Dinner" Train Rides

    Feb 16, 26 10:15 AM

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    If your heart is set on clinking glasses while the desert glows at sunset, you can absolutely do that here—just know which operator offers what, and plan accordingly.

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  39. West Virginia's Dinner Train Rides In Elkins

    Feb 16, 26 10:13 AM

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    The D&GV offers the kind of rail experience that feels purpose-built for railfans and casual travelers.

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  40. Indiana Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 16, 26 10:11 AM

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    This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

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  41. Ohio Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 16, 26 09:52 AM

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    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.

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  42. West Side Lumber Shay No. 12 Heads Home

    Feb 16, 26 09:48 AM

    A century-old survivor of Sierra Nevada logging railroading is returning west, recently acquired by the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

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  43. Building A T1 Again: The PRR 5550 Project

    Feb 15, 26 06:10 PM

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    Today, a nonprofit group, the PRR T1 Steam Locomotive Trust, is doing something that would have sounded impossible for decades: building a brand-new T1 from the ground up.

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  44. PRR T1 No. 5550’s Cylinders Nearing Completion

    Feb 15, 26 12:53 PM

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    According to a project update circulated late last year, fabrication work on 5550’s cylinders has advanced to the point where they are now “nearing completion,” with the Trust reporting cylinder work…

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  45. Santa Fe 3415's Rebuild Nears Completion

    Feb 15, 26 12:14 PM

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    One of the Midwest’s most recognizable operating steam locomotives is edging closer to the day it can lead excursions again.

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  46. Ohio Pizza Train Rides

    Feb 15, 26 10:59 AM

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    Among Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad's easiest “yes” experiences for families is the Family Pizza Train—a relaxed, 90-minute ride where dinner is served right at your seat, with the countryside slidi…

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  47. Wisconsin Pizza Train Rides

    Feb 15, 26 10:57 AM

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    Among Wisconsin Great Northern's lineup, one trip stands out as a simple, crowd-pleasing “starter” ride for kids and first-timers: the Family Pizza Train—two hours of Northwoods views, a stop on a tal…

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  48. Illinois "Pizza" Train Rides

    Feb 15, 26 10:55 AM

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    For both residents and visitors looking to indulge in pizza while enjoying the state's picturesque landscapes, the concept of pizza train rides offers a uniquely delightful experience.

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  49. Tennessee's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 15, 26 10:50 AM

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    Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue.

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  50. California's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 15, 26 10:48 AM

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    When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri…

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