1. Home
    2.  ›
  2. Fallen Flags
    3.  ›
  3. Southern Pacific
    4.  ›
  4. Argonaut

The "Argonaut": New Orleans - Los Angeles

Last revised: September 12, 2024

By: Adam Burns

In time the Southern Pacific's Sunset Route earned near mythical status thanks to its beauty and the chance to travel via one train from New Orleans to Los Angeles with connections available to Florida. 

The top run on this route was, of course, the popular Sunset Limited, considered one of the railroad's most prominent on its entire system.  Its counterpart, running on a slower schedule with more economical ticket prices, was the Argonaut.  

This train, launched in the 1920s, was never streamlined nor offered the same level of amenities as the more prominent Sunset.  However, it nevertheless provided fine accommodations in typical Espee style. 

As ridership declined the train became a regional serving Texas and New Orleans until it was finally dropped altogether in the early 1960s.

The Sunset Limited was an interesting affair.  Here was a train considered by the Southern Pacific as its flagship to the Gulf Coast for many years and advertised as the, "Quickest, Safest and most pleasant route to the Coast." 

As it grew in popularity Southern Pacific continued upgrading its services; during World War I it became a daily departure and in 1936 was given the recognition as trains #1 (westbound) and #2 (eastbound) on the timetable.  By then, the streamliner era was underway. 

Yet, while the Espee was an early proponent of this new craze, launching its first Daylight in 1937, the railroad was slow to upgrade its Sunset Limited with lightweight equipment until after World War II.  Once doing so, however, it could reasonably be argued it was worth the wait with the arrival of five new trainsets from the Budd Company and E7 diesels from Electro-Motive, all wearing the railroad's venerable Daylight livery.

The Argonaut was launched by SP in 1926 to complement the Sunset and offer passengers a less expensive alternative to the latter's first-class accommodations. 

It ran on a schedule of about 5 hours slower than the Sunset and offer a heavyweight consist of several head-end mail/express cars, standard coaches, sleepers, and a moderately priced diner.  With the introduction of the Argonaut the Espee began prominently advertising both the trains in print media. 

One particular piece had this to say about the train: 

"California sunshine all of the way via the Sunset Limited.  Old missions and churches, quaint and colorful, weave their magic spell over the Sunset Route between New Orleans and Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Here Spaniard, Indian and Mexican have contributed landmarks and customs which make this truly a foreign tour along our southern border."

"The Sunset Limited, a luxurious all-steel train, leaves New Orleans daily at 10:40 A.M. Club Car; Observation Car; Ladies' Lounge and Bath; Superb equipment throughout.  Another excellent train, the Argonaut, with wide vestibule Observation Car, and through sleeper for San Diego via Carriso Gorge, leaves New Orleans daily at 11:00 P.M."

"Liberal stopovers at New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, etc.  Convenient service for the Apache Trail motor side trip.  Sunset Route.  While in the West see the whole Pacific Coast from Mexico to Canada - thriving cities, age-old missions, gigantic trees, majestic peaks, the romance and picturesqueness of the Orient - 1,300 miles of inspiration and beauty, at an additional cost of only $18."

(The below Argonaut timetable is dated effective December 13, 1936.)

Read Down Time/Leave (Train #5) Milepost Location Read Up
Time/Arrive (Train #6)
11:00 PM (Dp)0.0
New Orleans, LA (Union Station) (CT)
7:35 AM (Ar)
11:07 PM2
New Orleans, LA (Carrollton Avenue)
7:25 AM
11:17 PM6
East Bridge Junction, LA
7:18 AM
11:37 PM11
West Bridge Junction, LA
6:50 AM
F 1:17 AM80
Morgan City, LA
5:10 AM
F 1:50 AM101
Franklin, LA
4:34 AM
F 2:07 AM114
Jeanerette, LA
4:14 AM
F 2:24 AM126
New Iberia, LA
3:55 AM
2:54 AM (Ar)145
Lafayette, LA
3:26 AM (Dp)
2:59 AM (Dp)145
Lafayette, LA
3:21 AM (Ar)
3:24 AM160
Rayne, LA
3:38 AM167
Crowley, LA
2:41 AM
4:00 AM180
Mermentau, LA
4:11 AM185
Jennings, LA
F 2:10 AM
4:30 AM195
Welsh, LA
5:28 AM219
Lake Charles, LA
1:12 AM
5:43 AM229
Sulphur, LA
6:02 AM242
Vinton, LA
6:26 AM256
Orange, TX
12:12 AM
6:59 AM278
Beaumont, TX
11:40 PM
7:49 AM321
Liberty, TX
10:39 PM
9:00 AM (Ar)362
Houston, TX (Grand Central Station)
9:40 PM (Dp)
9:20 AM (Dp)362
Houston, TX (Grand Central Station)
9:10 PM (Ar)
10:18 AM399
Rosenberg, TX
8:10 PM
10:39 AM415
East Bernard, TX
11:02 AM432
Eagle Lake, TX
7:24 PM
11:26 AM448
Columbus, TX
6:59 PM
11:49 AM462
Weimar, TX
6:35 PM
11:59 AM471
Schulenburg, TX
6:24 PM
12:26 PM483
Flatonia, TX
6:02 PM
12:42 PM495
Waelder, TX
5:45 PM
1:00 PM508
Harwood, TX
1:15 PM517
Luling, TX
5:08 PM
1:46 PM537
Seguin, TX
4:38 PM
2:45 PM (Ar)573
San Antonio, TX (Southern Pacific Station)
3:40 PM (Dp)
3:05 PM (Dp)573
San Antonio, TX (Southern Pacific Station)
3:20 PM (Ar)
3:48 PM598
Lacoste, TX
F 2:31 PM
4:12 PM612
Dunlay, TX
F 2:06 PM
4:31 PM622
Hondo, TX
1:48 PM
4:43 PM630
D'Hanis, TX
F 1:35 PM
5:07 PM643
Sabinal, TX
1:14 PM
5:23 PM654
Knippa, TX
F 12:57 PM
5:45 PM665
Uvalde, TX
12:40 PM
6:11 PM683
Cline, TX
F 12:08 PM
6:47 PM705
Spofford, TX
11:37 AM
7:40 PM (Ar)742
Del Rio, TX
10:40 AM (Dp)
7:55 PM (Dp)742
Del Rio, TX
10:30 AM (Ar)
F 8:17 PM757
Devil's River, TX
F 10:06 AM
F 8:58 PM777
Comstock, TX
9:30 AM
F 9:55 PM806
Langtry, TX
8:25 AM
F 10:24 PM827
Pumpville, TX
F 7:53 AM
F 10:40 PM834
Lozier, TX
F 7:36 AM
F 11:00 PM844
Watkins, TX
F 7:16 AM
F 11:25 PM858
Dryden, TX
6:56 AM
12:10 AM (Ar)879
Sanderson, TX
6:20 AM (Dp)
12:20 AM (Dp)879
Sanderson, TX
6:10 AM (Ar)
F 12:53 AM896
Longfellow, TX
F 5:41 AM
F 1:29 AM911
Tesnus, TX
F 5:07 AM
F 1:42 AM924
Haymond, TX
F 4:54 AM
2:12 AM939
Marathon, TX
4:26 AM
3:12 AM971
Alpine, TX
3:35 AM
F 3:40 AM983
Paisano (Summit), TX
F 3:13 AM
4:05 AM996
Marfa, TX
2:51 AM
5:00 AM (Ar)1032
Valentine, TX
1:50 AM (Dp)
5:05 AM (Dp)1032
Valentine, TX
1:45 AM (Ar)
F 5:46 AM1059
Lobo, TX
F 1:04 AM
F 6:17 AM1073
Dalberg, TX
1078
Hot Wells, TX
F 12:33 AM
6:55 AM1101
Sierra Blanca, TX
11:59 PM
F 7:27 AM1123
Small, TX
F 11:21 PM
F 7:35 AM1123
Finlay, TX
F 11:12 PM
F 7:58 AM1135
McNary, TX
F 10:50 PM
F 8:07 AM1140
Fort Hancock, TX
F 10:43 PM
F 8:35 AM1158
Tornillo, TX
F 10:15 PM
8:45 AM1164
Fabens, TX
F 10:07 PM
F 8:56 AM1171
Clint, TX
F 9:57 PM
F 9:11 AM1181
Ysleta, TX (CT)
F 9:44 PM
8:45 AM (Ar)1193
El Paso, TX (MT)
8:15 PM (Dp)
9:05 AM (Dp)1193
El Paso, TX (MT)
7:45 PM (Ar)
F 10:05 AM1229
Afton, NM
F 6:42 PM
F 10:36 AM1254
Cambray, NM
F 6:11 PM
11:11 AM1280
Deming, NM
5:38 PM
F 11:41 AM1300
Gage, NM
F 5:07 PM
F 12:07 AM1320
Separ, NM
F 4:42 PM
12:37 PM (Ar)1340
Lordsburg, NM
4:08 PM (Dp)
12:45 PM (Dp)1340
Lordsburg, NM
4:15 PM (AR)
F 1:14 PM1357
Steins, NM
F 3:38 PM
1:38 PM1374
San Simon, AZ
3:04 PM
2:10 PM1390
Bowie, AZ
2:40 PM
2:55 PM1414
Wilcox, AZ
1:50 PM
3:10 PM1424
Cochise, AZ
1:34 PM
3:27 PM1434
Dragoon, AZ
1:19 PM
4:11 PM1456
Benson, AZ
12:30 PM
F 4:30 PM1465
Mescal, AZ
F 12:11 PM
F 4:52 PM1476
Empire, AZ
1476
Pantano, AZ
F 11:50 AM
F 4:57 PM1485
Vail, AZ
F 11:32 AM
F 5:11 PM1498
Cruz, AZ
1498
Esmond, AZ
F 11:24 AM
5:30 PM (Ar)1505
Tucson, AZ
10:55 AM (Dp)
5:55 PM (Dp)1505
Tucson, AZ
10:35 AM (Ar)
F 6:16 PM1517
Cortaro, AZ
F 10:14 AM
F 6:23 PM1522
Rillito, AZ
F 10:05 AM
F 6:30 PM1527
Marana, AZ
F 9:56 AM
F 6:44 PM1538
Red Rock, AZ
F 9:41 AM
F 7:05 PM1551
Picacho, AZ
F 9:19 AM
F 7:11 PM1556
Eloy, AZ
F 9:13 AM
7:33 PM1570
Casa Grande, AZ
8:55 AM
8:05 PM1590
Maricopa, AZ
F 8:23 AM
9:20 PM1633
Gila, AZ
7:20 AM
10:07 PM1662
Sentinel, AZ
6:30 AM
F 10:30 PM1676
Aztec, AZ
F 6:08 AM
F 10:59 PM1696
Mohawk, AZ
F 5:38 AM
F 11:24 PM1713
Tacna, AZ
11:40 PM1718
Wellton, AZ
F 5:05 AM
1732
Dome, AZ
F 4:43 AM
12:40 AM (Ar)1756
Yuma, AZ (MT)
4:10 AM (Dp)
12:01 AM (Dp)1756
Yuma, AZ (PT)
3:30 AM (Ar)
F 12:24 AM1772
Ogilby, CA
F 12:48 AM1791
Glamis, CA
1:32 AM1821
Niland, CA
1:15 AM
2:21 AM1865
Mecca, CA
12:22 AM
2:28 AM1871
Thermal, CA
12:14 AM
2:34 AM1875
Coachella, CA
2:48 AM1878
Indio, CA
12:01 AM
F 3:40 AM1906
Palm Springs, CA
11:16 PM
4:05 AM1915
Cabazon, CA
F 4:23 AM1921
Banning, CA
F 10:53 PM
F 4:39 AM1927
Beaumont, CA
F 10:43 PM
5:08 AM1943
Redlands, CA
10:07 PM
F 5:15 AM1946
Loma Linda, CA
5:21 AM1950
Colton, CA
9:55 PM
5:37 AM1954
Bloomington, CA
5:43 AM1959
South Fontana, CA
5:52 AM1965
Guasti, CA
9:27 PM
F 5:59 AM1969
Ontario (To Upland), CA
9:21 PM
F 6:12 AM1975
Pomona, CA
9:10 PM
1992
Bassett, CA
8:42 PM
1994
El Monte, CA
8:38 PM
1998
San Gabriel, CA
8:33 PM
6:55 AM2001
Alhambra, CA
8:28 PM
7:30 AM (Ar)2008
Los Angeles, CA (Union Passenger Terminal)
8:00 PM (Dp)

The Argonaut was listed on Southern Pacific's table as #5, westbound, and #6 eastbound with a connection available to San Diego via Carriso Gorge along subsidiary San Diego & Arizona Eastern (this setup was later discontinued). 

While it was never streamlined it was pulled by either the railroad's beautifully styled Class GS 4-8-4 "Golden States" or Class MT 4-8-2s.  During the diesel era the train could often by found led by Alco's beautiful PA model, of which the Espee was one of the few roads to own many of these often troublesome (mechanically) locomotives. 

A 1950 consist of the Argonaut mentions it offered chair cars, a pair of standard Pullman sleepers (one running through and the other a connection to San Antonio), a diner, and a full lounge.  It's also interesting to note that as a secondary train you would be surprised to learn what the Argonaut sometimes carried, according to Don Hofsommer in his book, The Southern Pacific, 1901-1985. 

In one instance during World War II, a California assembly plant was in desperate need of fighter plane landing gear and the SP quickly transferred a boxcar load to the Argonaut's express car on train #5 to arrive in time. 

On another occasion the author mentions an incident in 1927 when a train's steward arranged for a unscheduled stop to have a bottle of goat's milk delivered on a hot summer's day to aide a sick baby.   Two of the most notable incidents, sadly, involved the loss of life. 

On May 7, 1951 a second section of the westbound Argonaut, a troop-train carrying Korean War soldiers, was traveling along the Texas & New Orleans about 86 miles west of Valentine, outside of the tiny hamlet of Small, when it entered a curve at excessive speed and derailed.  

Another derailment occurred on September 20, 1938 when the same train #5 slammed into the rear of the Californian on a siding at Niland, California due to a "faulty switch."  In all, 11 persons were killed and another 100 injured. 

As the 1950s wore on the Southern Pacific became increasingly disinterested in passenger operations when it was clear that the ridership witnessed during World War II would not endure. 

As a result cutbacks began all across its system, including the Argonaut which in 1958 was truncated to a regional Houston-New Orleans run only leaving the Sunset Limited as the only transcontinental on the Sunset Route.  It continued on in this regard until 1963 when the Southern Pacific discontinued the train entirely.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. The Dutch Line (Western Maryland): History, Map, Operations

    Sep 25, 26 09:38 PM

    wm-fa-302.jpg
    Western Maryland Dutch Line—the Hanover Subdivision. Emory Grove to Highfield via Hanover and Gettysburg, York branch 1893, stone trains, and the route CSX still runs.

    Read More

  2. The Durbin Branch (Western Maryland): History, Map, Operations

    Sep 25, 26 09:13 PM

    wm-280-durbin.jpg
    Western Maryland Durbin Branch—the Coal & Iron Railway, 46.9 miles Elkins to Durbin, opened July 27, 1903. Mixed train until April 10, 1959. H-7B Consolidations.

    Read More

  3. Western Maryland Railway: Map, Rosters, Logo, History

    Sep 25, 26 10:24 AM

    21491258127461627215872698897.jpg
    Western Maryland Railway—the Fast Freight Line. Baltimore, Carroll & Frederick, May 27, 1852. Connellsville Extension 1912. Chessie, then into the B&O May 1, 1983.

    Read More

  4. Illinois Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 25, 26 09:52 AM

    il-montic-dinners.jpg
    2026 Monticello Railway Museum Murder Mystery Dinner Train—June 13, July 11, August 1, and September 5 have run. Three courses, about 2 hours, $112. Confirm on mrym.org.

    Read More

  5. Georgia Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 25, 26 12:29 AM

    azalea-ga-dinners.jpg
    2026 Azalea Sprinter dinner train from Nashville and Willacoochee, Georgia—2½ hours. Club Car adult $147, Executive adult $177. Confirm on azaleasprinter.com.

    Read More

  6. Baldwin "Centipede" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos

    Sep 25, 26 12:02 AM

    415559009ujlpp987bvc74785.jpg
    Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2 Centipede—2-D+D-2, two 608SC engines, 3,000 hp. SAL 4500 from the 1943 test bed. 54 on the serial list, 52 sold. PRR BP60 then BH50. None preserved.

    Read More

  7. Florida Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 11:56 PM

    sem-gulf-dinners-fl.jpg
    2026 Seminole Gulf Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers—five courses cooked onboard, 3½ hours, $129 or $135 Saturday, plus tax and gratuity. Confirm on semgulf.com.

    Read More

  8. West Virginia Northern Railroad: Map, Photos, History

    Sep 24, 26 11:27 PM

    8645fce3212345889.jpg
    West Virginia Northern—Kingwood to Tunnelton, 11 miles of Preston County coal. Narrow gauge 1888, standard gauge 1895. Last freight February 19, 1991. Consolidations 8 and 9 survive.

    Read More

  9. Rutland Railroad: Map, Rosters, History, Logo

    Sep 24, 26 01:18 PM

    081234912742578368709097880809.jpg
    Rutland Railroad—Follett’s Champlain & Connecticut River, November 1, 1843. Bellows Falls–Burlington December 18, 1849. Green Mountain Gateway. Last train September 25, 1961. Vermont Railway Janua…

    Read More

  10. Arkansas Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 01:12 PM

    esna-depot-arkansas.jpg
    2026 Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Dinner Train—Eurekan dining car, about 2 hours, $53.62 tax included, opens May 9, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Confirm on esnarailway.com.

    Read More

  11. Arizona Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 01:01 PM

    20983428734723562375838949873.jpg
    2026 Arizona has no plated dinner train. Grand Canyon Railway sells snacks in the cars and meals in Williams or at the rim. Verde Canyon includes a charcuterie tray.

    Read More

  12. Rail News, The Latest

    Sep 24, 26 12:36 PM

    This page provides a portal to the latest in rail news, from preservation and restortation subjects to other notable topics.

    Read More

  13. Cotton Belt 819 Moved Outside at Pine Bluff for Evaluation

    Sep 24, 26 12:35 PM

    slsf-484-819.jpg
    Cotton Belt 819 left the Pine Bluff shop on September 22, 2026, first time outside in about 30 years. RDG Steam Services is evaluating the engine. No donation link posted.

    Read More

  14. Reading Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos

    Sep 24, 26 12:14 PM

    239452893562375237572836893908789.jpg
    Reading steam—Wootten fireboxes, Camelback Consolidations, Mallets, K-1 Santa Fes, G-3 Pacifics, T-1 4-8-4s. Post-1900 roster after Drury. Rambles ended October 17, 1964.

    Read More

  15. Reading Diesel Roster: All-Time

    Sep 24, 26 12:10 PM

    89138475151h9698799.jpg
    Reading diesel roster—AGEIR boxcabs, FTs, FA-1s, RS-3s, Train Masters, GP30s through GP39-2s. Serials and order numbers. Conrail April 1, 1976.

    Read More

  16. Reading Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters

    Sep 24, 26 12:08 PM

    530519182717rs134198.jpg
    Reading Company—Philadelphia & Reading, 1833. Anthracite, Port Richmond, Reading Terminal. Operating company January 1, 1924. Conrail April 1, 1976.

    Read More

  17. Nevada Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 12:02 PM

    nnrm-sd9-250.jpg
    2026 Nevada Northern Taste of Italy—adults-only gala from East Ely. The September 19 date has run. Confirm any later night on nnry.com.

    Read More

  18. North Carolina Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 11:24 AM

    nw-620-ntcm.jpg
    2026 North Carolina dinner trains—NCTM Wine & Dine in Spencer sold out February 13–15. GSMR First Class is the plated meal on the Nantahala Gorge excursion. Confirm on the railroad.

    Read More

  19. Railway Express Agency (REA): Signs, Trucks, Logo & History

    Sep 24, 26 09:40 AM

    67u9021083417242t3h42658960208977.jpg
    Railway Express Agency—railroad-owned express company. Incorporated December 7, 1928. Operations March 1, 1929. Red diamond, green trucks. Last regular express November 7, 1975.

    Read More

  20. Michigan Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 09:28 AM

    pm1225-dinner.jpg
    2026 Steam Railroading Institute dining in Owosso—select evenings, no public dinner dates posted. Confirm on michigansteamtrain.com.

    Read More

  21. Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway: Map, Rosters, History

    Sep 24, 26 12:24 AM

    050483bwry18381055610kt719912.jpg
    Pittsburgh & West Virginia—the Hi-Line. Wabash-Pittsburgh Terminal 1904. Railway January 29, 1917. Connellsville February 11, 1931. N&W lease October 16, 1964. Wheeling & Lake Erie from May 17, 1990.

    Read More

  22. Indiana Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 12:13 AM

    spirt-of-jasper-dinner-indiana.jpg
    2026 Spirit of Jasper Ride & Dine is paused. No public trains. Depot at 201 Mill Street stays open as a rental. Confirm on spiritofjaspertrain.com.

    Read More

  23. New Jersey Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 24, 26 12:01 AM

    rdg-fp7s-woodsstock.jpg
    2026 Woodstown Central Dining in Motion—private table of four from $190, about an hour, Salem County. Confirm on woodstowncentral.com.

    Read More

  24. Maryland Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 05:19 PM

    md-dome-wmsr.jpg
    2026 Western Maryland Scenic Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train—Cumberland, 3 hours, 21+, Saturday 7 p.m. Confirm on wmsr.com.

    Read More

  25. Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad: Map, Rosters, Photos

    Sep 23, 26 03:28 PM

    2025028uwn1840907556u19931092iio.jpg
    Pittsburgh & Lake Erie—the Little Giant. Chartered 1875, Pittsburgh to Youngstown February 10, 1879. New York Central from 1883. Independent May 15, 1979. Last day September 11, 1992.

    Read More

  26. Kansas Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 01:11 PM

    kansas-dinner-asv.jpg
    2026 Abilene & Smoky Valley Smoky Valley Limited—two hours from the Rock Island Depot, about $72–$110, dates into December 31. Confirm on asvrr.org.

    Read More

  27. The Belpaire Firebox: Simplicity and Greater Power

    Sep 23, 26 01:03 PM

    77690000872233432ed34.jpg
    Belpaire firebox—Alfred Belpaire, 1864. Square crown, straight staybolts at right angles. Pennsylvania standard after the 1880s. Great Northern was the other big user.

    Read More

  28. Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) Electric Roster: All Classes

    Sep 23, 26 12:57 PM

    DC4870GG1447783252123.jpg
    Pennsylvania Railroad electrics—DD1s into Penn Station, P5s, 139 GG1s, B1 switchers, and 66 E44s. Class roster, 1905–1963. No unit-by-unit GG1 list.

    Read More

  29. Penn Central Diesel Roster: All-Time

    Sep 23, 26 12:46 PM

    29862803572378264389709338.jpg
    Penn Central diesel roster—PRR classes on NYC, PRR, and New Haven power. New orders carry serials. GP38-2s are 7940-8162. Conrail April 1, 1976.

    Read More

  30. Penn Central Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Sep 23, 26 12:32 PM

    0238523758236782689269828989778.jpg
    Penn Central—Pennsylvania and New York Central merged February 1, 1968. New Haven January 1, 1969. Section 77 bankruptcy June 21, 1970. Conrail April 1, 1976.

    Read More

  31. Iowa Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 11:42 AM

    iowa-bsv-dinners.jpg
    2026 Boone & Scenic Valley Wolf Dinner Train—Saturdays May–October, Union Pacific dining cars, Bass Point Creek High Bridge. Confirm on bsvrr.com.

    Read More

  32. Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines: Map, Roster, History

    Sep 23, 26 12:32 AM

    901814307608074980.jpg
    Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines—Atlantic City Railroad renamed July 15, 1933. Pennsylvania two-thirds, Reading one-third. Camden to Atlantic City, Cape May, and Millville. Conrail April 1, 1976.

    Read More

  33. Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 12:28 AM

    wiscgreat-wi-dinners.jpg
    2026 Wisconsin Great Northern dinner train in Trego—$105, Namekagon River, January 8–31 and May 5–December 17. Mid-Continent’s remaining 2026 calendar is snack and scenic. Confirm on the railroad.

    Read More

  34. New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 12:21 AM

    nh-dinner-cafelafayette.jpg
    2026 Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in North Woodstock—five courses, 2 hours, from $125. Children under 6 not allowed. Confirm on nhdinnertrain.com.

    Read More

  35. PRR "GG-1" Locomotives: Roster, Photos, Specs

    Sep 23, 26 12:13 AM

    00912487235617824091hj5186209878.jpg
    PRR GG1 electric: 139 locomotives, 4800–4938, built 1934–1943. Specs, Loewy shell, Amtrak numbers, and the last revenue trip on October 28, 1983.

    Read More

  36. Montana Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 23, 26 12:04 AM

    mt-dinner-crcc.jpg
    2026 Charlie Russell Chew Choo from Hanover, near Lewistown—4.5 hours, prime rib, adult $151. Remaining listed dates sold out. Confirm on montanadinnertrain.com.

    Read More

  37. Kentucky Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 22, 26 11:52 PM

    myoldkentucky-bardstown.jpg
    2026 My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown—four courses, 2.5 hours, adult $116. Confirm on kydinnertrain.com.

    Read More

  38. Tennessee Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 22, 26 11:45 PM

    tvrm-southern-5000.jpg
    2026 TVRM Chattanooga Dinner Train—Grand Junction, select Fri/Sat March 6–October 24, 6 p.m., from $110. Confirm on tvrail.com.

    Read More

  39. The Trainphone: PRR's Wireless Radio System

    Sep 22, 26 11:17 PM

    620810882208701u08708.jpg
    Pennsylvania Trainphone—Union Switch & Signal inductive telephone. Bel-Del trial 1941, Frenchtown November 29, 1943. Carriers at 88 kHz and 144 kHz. Out of service April 30, 1967.

    Read More

  40. Pennsylvania (PRR) Steam Roster: Post 1906

    Sep 22, 26 11:13 PM

    prr-040-713.jpg
    ennsylvania steam after 1906—H8, H9, and H10 Consolidations, 574 L1s Mikados, 598 I1s Decapods, 425 K4s Pacifics, 301 M1 Mountains. Drury’s grid. Last steam November 30, 1957.

    Read More

  41. Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) Diesel Roster: All-Time List

    Sep 22, 26 10:59 PM

    2853920935273760329039079038.jpg
    Pennsylvania diesel roster—SW 3908 in June 1937, then Alco, Baldwin, EMD, Fairbanks-Morse, GE, and Lima. Serials and Alco order numbers. Penn Central February 1, 1968.

    Read More

  42. Pennsylvania Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters

    Sep 22, 26 10:02 PM

    293752735858723823895872325923689347098.jpg
    Pennsylvania Railroad—chartered April 13, 1846, Harrisburg–Pittsburgh, Horseshoe Curve 1854, Penn Station 1910. Standard Railroad of the World. Penn Central February 1, 1968.

    Read More

  43. Pennsylvania Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 22, 26 04:48 PM

    strasburg-pa-dinner.jpg
    2026 Pennsylvania dinner trains—Colebrookdale Dining Class in Boyertown and Strasburg Dinner on the Rails. Confirm on each railroad.

    Read More

  44. New York, Ontario & Western Steam Locomotives: History & Roster

    Sep 22, 26 04:40 PM

    NYO&W steam—camelback 2-8-0s and 2-6-0s, Class X Bull Moose 2-10-2s, Class Y and Y-2 Mountains. All-time class roster. Steam finished in the summer of 1948. None saved.

    Read More

  45. New York, Ontario & Western Diesel Roster: All-Time

    Sep 22, 26 04:36 PM

    89535789gt8990682808380.jpg
    NYO&W diesel—five GE 44-tonners 101-105, eighteen FTs, seven F3s, twenty-one NW2s. Serials and the NW2 order E824. Railroad liquidated March 29 1957.

    Read More

  46. New York, Ontario & Western Railway: Map, Roster, History

    Sep 22, 26 04:26 PM

    802090jf3838910nhhr89801.jpg
    New York, Ontario & Western—New York & Oswego Midland chartered January 11 1866, O&W January 21 1880. Scranton coal, West Shore rights. Last train March 29 1957.

    Read More

  47. Massachusetts Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 22, 26 04:16 PM

    mass-cape-hero.jpg
    2026 Cape Cod Dinner Train—Hyannis, Buzzards Bay, and North Falmouth. Four-course, 3–3½ hours, from $99.99. Confirm on capetrain.com.

    Read More

  48. Colorado Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 22, 26 03:51 PM

    royal-gorge-route-ark-river.jpg
    2026 Royal Gorge Route First Class Dinner and Lunch from Cañon City. About 2 hours, 12+, from $199+. Confirm on royalgorgeroute.com.

    Read More

  49. New York and Long Branch Railroad: A PRR & CNJ Subsidiary

    Sep 22, 26 03:11 PM

    4b4769v1125343v4560vv2643367b8b69.jpg
    New York & Long Branch—chartered April 8 1868, Perth Amboy–Long Branch July 1 1875, Bay Head Junction 1881. Jersey Central and Pennsylvania trains. Conrail April 1 1976. NJ Transit North Jersey Co…

    Read More

  50. Monongahela Railway Steam Locomotives: History & Roster

    Sep 22, 26 01:34 PM

    mga-282-184.jpg
    Monongahela steam—H-5 Consolidations, USRA light Mikados 170–179, Baldwin L-2s, ex-P&LE L-3s. All-time roster. Last steam May 26, 1954.

    Read More