"Cow-Calf" Switcher Locomotives: Specs, Data, Rosters
Last revised: December 16, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The oddly named cow-calf design was released only by Electro-Motive, first built as an experimental prior to World War II. It was essentially a different name for "A" and "B" (cabless) locomotives, commonly found in the F and E series cab models.
EMD took the same concept and applied it to its switcher line for use in transfer and yard work by providing a cabless "B" unit mated to an "A." Doing so offered more horsepower and tractive effort without the need of supplying an additional crew.
As with transfer models offered by other builders, railroads remained largely disinterested in such a specialized locomotive, even for EMD's highly respectable designs rolling out of La Grange at the time.
Overall, few cow-calves were sold among the seven different types offered although they did prove more successful than similar examples cataloged by other manufacturers. As the years passed railroads tended to lashup "A's" and "B's" of different models together.
Photos
Chicago Great Western cow-calf switcher set TR2, #61-61A, is seen here between assignments at St. Paul, Minnesota, circa 1964. American-Rails.com collection.Overview
The cow-calf term is unique into itself; technically it is neither a mother-slug (a fully operational locomotive coupled to a unit with no prime mover, only traction motors and/or ballasting for increased tractive effort) nor an actual "B" unit.
Instead the design refers solely to switchers built by Electro-Motive. The "cow-calf" designation was not the product of EMD, merely a nickname adopted by train enthusiasts.
EMD referred to these designs as transfer switchers, the first of which was an experimental. This unit, numbered 9201 (later changed to #9202) and listed as the T-Model (for Transfer) was a single, center-cab locomotive built in 1936 for Illinois Central, which intended to use it in yard service between Chicago and Markham Yard.
It was constructed by what was then the Electro-Motive Corporation featuring a pair of 900 horsepower, Winton V-12 201-A prime movers with the carbody supplied by the St. Louis Car Company.
A Chicago & North Western photo featuring TR-2 cow-calf set #2001-A and #2001-B in October of 1949. As built these locomotives were used in hump yard service in Chicago. Later, calf #2001-B was rebuilt into Slug #BU-5 during 1961.Railroad officials were pleased with the model although its unique B-B+B-B wheel arrangement and longer frame caused the unit to develop a sag beneath the cab. The issue was later resolved by EMD.
In 1940 the first, true cow-calf model was outshopped by EMD; designated class TR (TRansfer), it was based on the popular 1,000 horsepower NW2.
However, instead of Winton prime movers the locomotive featured EMD's highly reliable 12-cylinder, model 567 power plant.
The IC was so pleased with this latest design it ultimately purchased three sets, numbered 9203A–9205A/9203B-9205B.
During their long career these cow-calves spent most of their time in yard service pushing long cuts of freight cars over the hump at Markham.
It was the only system to purchase the TR, as well as the following TR1 of 1941. This particular variant featured a very interesting extended carbody based on the NW3.
It was capable of producing a combined 2,700 horsepower and was essentially an FT in a switcher carbody, even sporting Blomberg trucks; only two sets were built.
In 1945 EMD began production on the 2,000-horsepower TR2, also based from the NW2 but sporting the updated 567A power plant.
The most successful of the series, 36 sets were built for seven different lines by 1949. In a bit of comedy, names for future cow-calf combinations became even more interesting.
During the summer of that same year (1949) the Chesapeake & Ohio took delivery of the TR3; a three-unit, cow-calf-calf combination, or "herd," which could produce 3,000 horsepower.
Data Sheets
TR (NW2)
| Entered Production | 2/1940 (Illinois Central #9203) |
| Years Produced | 2/1940 - 11/1940 |
| EMD Class | TR |
| Engines (2) | 567 (6 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 2000 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length (End of Couplers) | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Total Length (End of Couplers) | 86' 5" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ¼" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 250,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3C2C (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24EL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D7 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D4/D4D, GM/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 62,500 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
TR1 (FT)
| Entered Production | 4/1941 (Illinois Central #9250-9251) |
| Years Produced | 4/1941 - 5/1941 |
| EMD Class | TR |
| Engines (2) | 567 (8 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 2700 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 52' 1 1/2" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ¼" |
| Width | 9' 11 ½" |
| Weight | 230,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3C2C (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24EL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Blomberg |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D7 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D12, GM/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 55,000 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
This variant was a stretched version of an NW, essentially an NW3 which Electro-Motive briefly marketed.
Internally, it was nearly identical to an FT sporting a 567A prime mover capable of producing 1,350 horsepower each. In addition, it rode on Blomberg trucks.
TR2 (NW2)
| Entered Production | 11/1945 (Illinois Central #9206A-9206B) |
| Years Produced | 11/1945 - 12/1949 |
| EMD Class | TR2 |
| Engines (2) | 567A (6 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 2000 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ¼" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 250,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3C2C (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24EL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D7 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D4/D4D, GM/EMD |
| Auxiliary Generator | General Motors/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 62,500 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
TR3 (NW2)
| Entered Production | 7/1949 (Chesapeake & Ohio #6500) |
| Years Produced | 7/1949 - 10/1949 |
| EMD Class | TR3 |
| Engines (3) | 567A (6 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 3000 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ¼" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 250,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3C2C (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24EL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D7 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D4/D4D, GM/EMD |
| Auxiliary Generator | General Motors/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 62,500 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
TR4 (SW7)
| Entered Production | 6/1950 (Chesapeake & Ohio #6000A) |
| Years Produced | 6/1950 - 1/1951 |
| EMD Class | TR4 |
| Engines (2) | 567A (6 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 2400 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ½" |
| Width | 9' 11 ½" |
| Weight | 250,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | WXO (GM/EMD) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24EL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D7 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D4/D4D, GM/EMD |
| Auxiliary Generator | General Motors/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 62,500 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
TR5 (SW9)
| Entered Production | 3/1951 (Union Railroad #701-702) |
| Years Produced | 3/1951 - 10/1951 |
| EMD Class | TR5 |
| Engines (2) | 567B (6 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 2400 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ½" |
| Width | 9' 11 1/2" |
| Weight | 250,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | WXO (GM/EMD) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 6BL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D37 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D15C, GM/EMD |
| Auxiliary Generator | General Motors/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 62,500 Lbs |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
TR6 (SW8)
| Entered Production | 11/1950 (Electro-Motive #1600-1600B) |
| Years Produced | 11/1950 - 8/1953 |
| EMD Class | TR6 |
| Engines (2) | 567B (4 Cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | GM/EMD |
| Horsepower | 1600 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Length | 44' 5" (Per Locomotive) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 6 ½" |
| Width | 10' |
| Weight | 230,000 Lbs (Per Locomotive) |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | WXO (Gardner-Denver) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 6BL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | GRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 8' 0" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors (Per Locomotive) | D37 (4), GM/EMD |
| Traction Generator | D15C, GM/EMD |
| Auxiliary Generator | General Motors/EMD |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort/Starting | 69,000 Lbs (at 30% adhesion) |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
According to Electro-Motive's Operating Manual #2303, the D15A main generator and D27 traction motors were used in NW2's after August, 1949 and in SW7's after October, 1949.
Chicago Great Western cow-calf set #63A and #63B (TR2A and TR2B) switches the yard in Oelwein, IA in March 1967. Rick Burn photo.Production Rosters
TR
(Total Built = 3 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Central | 9203-9204 (A-B) | 1032-1033 | E286 | 2/1940 | 2 |
| Illinois Central | 9205 (A-B) | 1190 | E345 | 11/1940 | 1 |
TR1
(Total Built = 2 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Central | 9250-9251 (A-B) | 1191 | E358 | 4/1941-5/1941 | 2 |
TR2
(Total Built = 36 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Central | 9206A (A), 9206B (B) | 2067-2068 | E552 | 11/1945 | 2 |
| Southern Railway | 2400A-2403A (A) | 4764-4767 | E829 | 8/1947 | 4 |
| Southern Railway | 2400B-2403B (B) | 4768-4771 | E829 | 8/1947 | 4 |
| Southern Railway | 2404A (A), 2404B (B) | 5002-5003 | E829 | 8/1947 | 2 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 912A (A), 912B (B)* | 5514-5515 | E912 | 10/1947 | 2 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9401A-9405A (A) | 6563-6567 | E1009 | 2/1949 | 5 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9401B-9405B (B) | 6568-6572 | E1009 | 2/1949 | 5 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9406A-9408A (A) | 6573-6575 | E1009 | 2/1949-3/1949 | 3 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9406B-9408B (B) | 6576-6578 | E1009 | 2/1949-3/1949 | 3 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9409A (A), 9409B (B) | 6579-6580 | E1009 | 3/1949 | 2 |
| Chicago Great Western | 58A (A), 58B (B) | 6877-6878 | E1097 | 8/1948 | 2 |
| Chicago Great Western | 59A-65A (A) | 6879-6885 | E1033 | 7/1949-8/1949 | 7 |
| Chicago Great Western | 59B-65B (A) | 6886-6892 | E1033 | 7/1949-8/1949 | 7 |
| Chicago Great Western | 66A (A), 66B (B) | 6893-6894 | E1033 | 7/1949 | 2 |
| Milwaukee Road | 2000A (A), 2000B (B) | 7919-7920 | E1124 | 12/1949 | 2 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9410A-9413A (A) | 8505-8508 | E1179 | 11/1949 | 4 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9410B-9411B (B) | 8509-8510 | E1179 | 11/1949 | 2 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9412B-9413B (B) | 8598-8599 | E1179 | 11/1949 | 2 |
| Chicago & North Western | 2000A-2001A (A) | 10021-10022 | E1305 | 10/1949 | 2 |
| Chicago & North Western | 2000B-2001B (B) | 10023-10024 | E1305 | 10/1949 | 2 |
| Illinois Central | 9207A (A), 9207B (B) | 10056-10057 | 6007 | 12/1949 | 2 |
| Illinois Central | 9208A (A), 9208B (B) | 10058-10059 | 6007 | 12/1949 | 2 |
| Belt Railway Of Chicago | 500A-501A (A) | 10512-10513 | 6027 | 11/1949-12/1949 | 2 |
| Belt Railway Of Chicago | 500B-501B (B) | 10514-10515 | 6027 | 11/1949-12/1949 | 2 |
* Sold to Chicago, Burlington & Quincy as #9400A-9400B.
TR3
(Total Built = 2 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6500A (A) | 10253 | 6018 | 7/1949 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6500C, 6500B (B) | 10254-10255 | 6018 | 7/1949 | 2 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6501A (A) | 10256 | 6018 | 10/1949 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6501C, 6501B (B) | 10257-10258 | 6018 | 10/1949 | 2 |
TR4
(Total Built = 15 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belt Railway of Chicago | 502A-506A (A) | 10516-10520 | 4032 | 9/1950 | 5 |
| Belt Railway of Chicago | 502B-506B (B) | 10521-10525 | 4032 | 9/1950 | 5 |
| Milwaukee Road | 2001A (A) | 11402 | 4051 | 9/1950 | 1 |
| Milwaukee Road | 2001B (B) | 11403 | 4051 | 9/1950 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6000A (A) | 11945 | 6124 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6000B (B) | 11946 | 6124 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6001A (A) | 11947 | 6124 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 6001B (B) | 11948 | 6124 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Santa Fe | 2418 (A) | 12360 | 6146 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Santa Fe | 2418A (B) | 12361 | 6146 | 6/1950 | 1 |
| Milwaukee Road | 2002A-2006A (A) | 12447-12451 | 4071 | 1/1951 | 5 |
| Milwaukee Road | 2002B-2006B (B) | 12452-12456 | 4071 | 1/1951 | 5 |
| Santa Fe | 2419 (A) | 13827 | 6214 | 1/1951 | 1 |
| Santa Fe | 2419A (B) | 13828 | 6214 | 1/1951 | 1 |
TR5
(Total Built = 10 Sets And 2 Calves)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Railroad | 701-702 (A) | 8544-8545 | E1187 | 3/1951 | 2 |
| Union Railroad | 701C-702C (B) | 8546-8547 | E1187 | 3/1951 | 2 |
| Union Railroad | 703C-704C (B) | 14786-14787 | 6253 | 10/1951 | 2 |
| Union Pacific | 1870A-1877A (A) | 15068-15075 | 6284 | 9/1951-10/1951 | 8 |
| Union Pacific | 1870B-1877B (B) | 15076-15083 | 6284 | 9/1951-10/1951 | 8 |
TR6
(Total Built = 12 Sets)
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 1600 (A)* | 13549 | 15051 | 11/1950 | 1 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 1600B (B)** | 13550 | 15051 | 11/1950 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1207A-1209A (A) | 14829-14831 | 6321 | 10/1951-12/1951 | 3 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1207B-1209B (B) | 14832-14834 | 6321 | 10/1951-12/1951 | 3 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1210A-1211A (A) | 14835-14836 | 6332 | 12/1951 | 2 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1210B-1211B (B) | 14837-14838 | 6332 | 12/1951 | 2 |
| Southern Pacific | 4601-4603 (A) | 15084-15086 | 4100 | 10/1951 | 3 |
| Southern Pacific | 4701-4703 (B) | 15117-15119 | 4100 | 10/1951 | 3 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1212A (A) | 17052 | 6382 | 5/1952 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1212B (B) | 17053 | 6382 | 5/1952 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1213A (A) | 17054 | 6382 | 5/1952 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 121BA (B) | 17055 | 6382 | 5/1952 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1216A (A) | 18619 | 6502 | 8/1953 | 1 |
| Oliver Iron Mining Company | 1216B (B) | 18620 | 6502 | 8/1953 | 1 |
* Became Southern Pacific #4600 (A). Order number 4147.
** Became Southern Pacific #4700 (B). Order number 4147.
Sources
- EMD. Operating Manual #2303: 600 & 1200 HP Switching Locomotives (Models SW1 & SW7; 567 Series Engines). La Grange: Electro-Motive Division (General Motors Corporation), January, 1950 (5th Edition).
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
A Milwaukee Road TR-4 cow-calf set, #695-A and #695-B (built as #2006-A and #2006-B) were photographed here at Pigs Eye Yard in St. Paul, Minnesota during June of 1968. American-Rails.com collection.The C&O went on to purchase two, three-unit sets; #6500ABC-6501ABC. EMD's last three cow-calf models saw only modest sales:
- In 1950-1951 it released an SW7 version, the TR4 that could produce 1,200 horsepower; 15 examples were built for four different railroads.
- Later in 1951 EMD cataloged its most powerful cow-calf, the 2,400 horsepower TR5. Based from the SW9 it utilized the newest model 567B prime mover but only two buyers were interested; Union Pacific and Union Railroad (a short line based in the Pittsburg, Pennsylvania area).
- Finally, there was the TR6 of 1950. A less powerful version it featured a pair of four-cylinder, model 567B engines which could produce 800 horsepower each.
Once again there were few buyers as only the Southern Pacific, which acquired four sets (including EMD's demonstrator), and the Oliver Iron Mining Company took orders.
By the early 1950s no more TR examples were outshopped although those that were remained in use for several years, many of which were rebuilt with cabs like the CB&Q's.
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Maryland's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:54 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most “complete” heritage-rail experiences: and also offer their popular dinner train during the Valentine's Day weekend. -
Massachusetts ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:27 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides At Bardstown
Jan 31, 26 02:29 PM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams!
Jan 31, 26 01:29 PM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Washington "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 12:02 PM
Whether you’re a dedicated railfan chasing preserved equipment or a couple looking for a memorable night out, CCR&M offers a “small railroad, big experience” vibe—one that shines brightest on its spec… -
Georgia "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:55 AM
If you’ve ridden the SAM Shortline, it’s easy to think of it purely as a modern-day pleasure train—vintage cars, wide South Georgia skies, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from interstates an… -
Maryland ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:49 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
Colorado ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:40 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Iowa's ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:34 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:24 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:23 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:15 AM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Colorado "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 11:02 AM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the kind of trip that feels tailor-made for railfans and casual travelers alike, including during Valentine's weekend. -
Massachusetts "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:37 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) blends classic New England scenery with heritage equipment, narrated sightseeing, and some of the region’s best-known “rails-and-meals” experiences. -
California "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:34 AM
Operating out of West Sacramento, this excursion railroad has built a calendar that blends scenery with experiences—wine pours, themed parties, dinner-and-entertainment outings, and seasonal specials… -
Kansas Dinner Train Rides In Abilene
Jan 30, 26 10:27 AM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Georgia's Dinner Train Rides In Nashville!
Jan 30, 26 10:23 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Georgia "Wine Tasting" Train Rides In Cordele
Jan 30, 26 10:20 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:18 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:17 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Wisconsin ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:26 PM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello
Jan 29, 26 02:21 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Vermont "Dinner Train" Rides In Burlington!
Jan 29, 26 01:00 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:50 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Alabama ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:46 PM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Washington's "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:39 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:12 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail.
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