1. Home
  2. Regionals
  3. New York, Susquehanna & Western
  4. Diesel Roster

New York, Susquehanna & Western Diesel Roster: All-Time (1941–2026)

Published: August 27, 2026

By: Adam Burns

The New York, Susquehanna and Western diesel story is two railroads on one reporting mark. From 1941 through the Maidman years it was a New Jersey Alco road—S2s, RS1s, then three new GP18s—that advertised itself in June 1945 as the first U.S. Class I to dieselize (three Russian Decapod 2-10-0s lingered as yard goats until October 1947). After Delaware Otsego took the franchise on September 2, 1980, Walter Rich restocked with secondhand Alco Centuries, then Burlington Northern SD45s and F45s for Sea-Land stacks, then GE B40-8s, and finally a quieter EMD six-motor fleet. Scot Lawrence’s compiled all-time diesel count is about 116 units. That is too many lines to bury inside the NYS&W history article, so this page is the companion roster, the same split American-Rails uses for the New York Central diesel roster.

New York Susquehanna and Western RS3 101 August 7 1984 former Delaware and Hudson 4088 James Leveille

NYS&W RS3 #101—built as Delaware & Hudson #4088 in 1952—August 7, 1984, early Delaware Otsego years. James Leveille photo.

On this page: How to read it · Current power (2025–26) · Original dieselization · Delaware Otsego Alcos · BN six-motors · GE four-axles · Later EMD · Passenger E9s · Notes

How to read this roster

Even-numbered road diesels were MU-equipped; odd numbers were not. That Alco-era habit survived into later secondhand EMD and GE units. A few numbers were reused: the first RS1s #231 and #233 went to the Army in World War II and were replaced by a second pair; C430 #3002’s number was later parked briefly on a tunnel motor that became #3010; GP40 #3040 had been #256 (second). BN six-motors first wore their 6360- and 6500-series numbers, then the 3612–3638 series.

This is an owned and lettered diesel roster, not a photo log of every lessee that ever sat at Little Ferry. Big Dog Leasing U23B BDLX 2209 worked the property; it was never NYS&W 2209. Steam, including Chinese SY 2-8-2 #142, stays on the history page. Treat any single “current” number as a snapshot—confirm it against a recent photograph before you plan around it.

Current power (2025–26)

Heavy road power is four ex-Norfolk Southern SD70M-2s in yellow and black, bought in late 2020 / early 2021 and painted at Butler in 2023. Behind them sit the remaining tunnel-motor family, three SD40-2s (one in 1950s maroon-and-silver heritage paint), two reclassed SD45-2s, and GP40 #3040. SD60s in the 3800 series were roster fixtures in the 2010s; several later went to Western New York & Pennsylvania and New Orleans Public Belt.

Road no. Model Heritage (short) Notes
4060, 4062, 4064, 4066 EMD SD70M-2 Ex-NS (4060 ex-2751; 4064 née 2708; 4066 née 2684) Current flagship power. #4062 on the June 5, 2026 Binghamton–Callicoon special
3618, 3634 EMD SD45-2 Ex-BN 6500 / 6542 (built as SD45s; reclassed by NYS&W) #3634 reactivated in the 2020s; America 250 paint
3010, 3014 EMD SD40T-2 3010 née D&RGW 5397 (briefly NYS&W 3002 second); 3014 née SP 8321 #3010 often stored at Binghamton in 2010s–20s lists
3012, 3016 EMD SD32ECO / SD33ECO née SP SD40T-2 8242 and 8542 Rebuilt 2016. #3016 wrecked at Deposit, N.Y., August 9, 2018, and rebuilt
3018, 3022, 3024 EMD SD40-2 3018 née Southern 3267; 3022 née N&W SD40 1605 (reclassed); 3024 née BN 7200 / NS 3553 #3024 in maroon-and-silver heritage paint since 2023
3040 EMD GP40 née Atlanta & West Point 732; was NYS&W 256 (second) Utica Branch / F.X. Matt. Sister #3042 scrapped Utica 2014

Original dieselization, 1941–1962

Kidde ordered Alco S2 yard engines and RS1 road-switchers in 1941. The first pair of S2s, #202 and #204, arrived in December 1941. Two 20-ton Whitcombs came from the Army in 1946 for Edgewater; a new GE 45-tonner replaced them in 1958. The last new first-generation power was three GP18s in August 1962—the first Yellowjackets.

Switchers and Edgewater goats

Road no. Builder / model Built Heritage Disposition
150 Whitcomb 20-ton 1/1942 QMC 2084; US Army 7720; to NYS&W 9/1946 Sold 1960 (Coe Rail). Preserved, Whippany Railway Museum, N.J.
151 Whitcomb 20-ton 1/1942 QMC 2092; US Army 7723; to NYS&W 9/1946 Sold 1960 (Old Dominion Iron & Steel). Later fate uncertain
200 GE 45-ton 1958 Bought new for Edgewater Seatrain Sold to Quebec Iron & Titanium; reported as QIT #24
202 Alco S2 12/1941 (s/n 69655) New First NYS&W diesel, with #204. Scrapped 3/1983
203 Alco S2 4/1942 (s/n 69671) New (no MU; odd number) Scrapped 3/1983
204 Alco S2 12/1941 New To G.R. Silicott for scrap, 7/1966
205 Alco S2 4/1942 (s/n 69672) New (no MU) Scrapped 3/1983
206 Alco S2 3/1942 (s/n 69664) New Last S2 on the property in 1979. Restored (Bergen-Rockland NRHS, 1985); United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey
208 Alco S2 3/1942 New Scrapped 3/1983

Alco RS1 road-switchers

The first pair, #231 and #233, were requisitioned by the Army in World War II, converted to six-axle RSD-1s, and sent overseas. Alco replaced them with a second #231 and #233 in 1943. Arrival of the 1947 RS1s finished steam. Odd numbers never had MU.

Road no. Built Builder no. (where known) Disposition
230 11/1944 71437 Retired 1966; scrapped 3/1983
231 (1st) 1942 69992 To US Army 8000 as RSD-1. Survives: later U.S. Navy / Texas Industries; Museum of the American Railroad, Dallas
233 (1st) 1942 69993 To US Army 8001 as RSD-1; Alaska 1057 / 1085; scrapped 1965–67
231 (2nd) 4/1943 70812 Scrapped 3/1983
233 (2nd) 4/1943 70813 Sold via G.R. Silicott to Genesee & Wyoming; used for parts (frame reused)
232 1/1945 73097 Traded to GE; scrapped 1988
234 1/1945 73098 Scrapped 3/1983
236 1/1945 73099 Scrapped 3/1983. Photographed on suburban service at Hackensack, September 3, 1965 (Roger Puta)
238 3/1945 73568 Yellowjacket by 1985. Traded to GE; scrapped 1988
240 3/1945 73569 Valley Railroad 1983; Tioga Central 1987 (as “TC 240” in NYS&W paint). Scrapped Wellsboro, Pa., August 2014
242 5/1945 73754 Scrapped
244 9/1947 To Streigel 244; scrapped
246 9/1947 Tennessee RR #6 (7/1963); later Southern / BR&L / Agrico / IMC. Reported preserved at Fort Meade, Fla.
248 10/1947 Scrapped
250 10/1947 Vermont Railway 250 (11/1965); traded to EMD 9/1966
252 10/1947 75558 Bicentennial unit; later Yellowjacket. Scrapped 1988
254 3/1953 Scrapped
256 (1st) 3/1953 79585 Scrapped 1979. Number reused on GP40 #3040

EMD GP18s — the first Yellowjackets

Road no. Built Heritage Disposition
1800, 1802, 1804 8/1962 Bought new Sold to East Penn Railway, April 2010, as ESPN 1800/1802/1804. Last new first-generation NYS&W power

Delaware Otsego Alcos, 1980s–2000s

Rich put yellow and black on whatever secondhand Alcos Delaware Otsego could buy. The stars were five ex-New York Central C430s—the largest original C430 order, ten units for NYC. Two of the five were wrecked on February 3, 1987. Later came two of the three Alco C636 factory demonstrators (via Morrison-Knudsen and Cartier) and a half-dozen Montreal M636s from the same Cartier fleet.

RS3s and C420s

Road no. Model Built Heritage Disposition
101 Alco RS3 1952 née D&H 4088; also DO / CNY 101 Scrapped at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 1996
104 Alco RS3 1952 née D&H 4117; Adirondack / R&S 29 Scrapped at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 1996
2000 Alco C420 1966 née L&N 1312; Maryland & Delaware #50 Low short hood. Scrapped at Little Ferry, late 1980s
2002 / 260 / 2010 Alco C420 1964 (s/n 3384-01) née Long Island 221; V&M 202 One physical unit, three NYS&W numbers. Sold to Buffalo Southern as BSOR 2010

Alco C430s (ex-New York Central 2050-series)

NYS&W NYC / PC / CR Alco s/n Disposition
3000 2050 3494-01 Western New York & Pennsylvania 430 (Livonia, Avon & Lakeville family)
3002 (1st) 2052 3494-03 Wrecked February 3, 1987; scrapped Binghamton 1995
3004 2051 3494-02 Wrecked February 3, 1987; scrapped Binghamton January 1989
3006 2056 3494-07 WNYP 433. On the Oakland, Pa., Sea-Land photograph with #3004
3008 2055 3494-06 Crankshaft failure 1986; scrapped Little Ferry (NIMX) June 1986

C636 demonstrators and MLW M636s (Cartier fleet)

The eight Cartier Alco/MLW six-motors sat at Cohocton, New York, from late 2002, arrived on the Susquehanna 2004–05, and were sold in 2007 to lessors that placed them on WNYP / Delaware-Lackawanna. #3660 and #3662 were two of Alco’s three C636 demonstrators (636-2 and 636-3), later Morrison-Knudsen 5402/5403—not Australian units. The third demo, MK 5401, never wore NYS&W paint.

Road no. Model Heritage Disposition
3660 Alco C636 Alco demo 636-2; MK 5402; Cartier / RRPX 78 Scrapped Cohocton, N.Y., January 2015
3662 Alco C636 Alco demo 636-3; MK 5403; Cartier / SIXX 77 Scrapped Cohocton, N.Y., January 2015
3664 MLW M636 née CN 2300; Cartier / SIXX 41 RRPX 41, leased to WNYP
3666 (also 6366) MLW M636 née CN 2304; Cartier / SIXX 45 WNYP 636; later New York & Lake Erie
3668 MLW M636 née CN 2312; Cartier / SIXX 47 WNYP 637; to Delaware-Lackawanna
3670 (also 6370 on some lists) MLW M636 née CN 2302; Cartier / SIXX 43 WNYP / RRPX 43
3672 MLW M636 née Cartier 75 WNYP 638; to Delaware-Lackawanna
3674 MLW M636 née Cartier 85 WNYP 685; to Delaware-Lackawanna

Secondhand EMD switchers

Road no. Model Built Heritage Disposition
116 EMD NW2 1948 née NYO&W 116; NYC 9501; PC 8684; CR 9264 Restored in NYO&W paint; Arkville, N.Y. (Delaware & Ulster)
120 EMD SW9 1953 Ex-C&O 5091 Sold to AMPI, Dansville, N.Y., September 2006, as shop switcher

Burlington Northern six-motors (Sea-Land era)

Ex-BN SD45s and F45s made the railroad famous on stack trains over Gulf Summit and Starrucca. They first kept (or nearly kept) BN numbers in the 6360 and 6500 series, then took even 3612–3638 numbers. NYS&W later reclassed the two survivors as SD45-2s; they were built as SD45s. Norfolk & Western SD45 #1778 was a parts unit and never ran in Susquehanna service.

SD45s (and the two that remain)

Later no. Early NYS&W / BN no. BN heritage Disposition
— (parts) 6360 BN 6475 (would have been 3610) Parts unit; scrapped Utica 1992. On the 1986 Oakland photograph
3612 6362 BN 6480 Scrapped Utica 2004
3614 6364 BN (s/n 36375) Unrepairable at Dansville; off roster 10/2007; scrapped
6366 BN 6489 (would have been 3616) Montana Rail Link 362; scrapped 2007
3618 6500 BN 6500 Still on NYS&W, reclassed SD45-2. Rebuilt Dansville 2006
3620 6503 BN 6503 MRL 365; scrapped 2007
3622 6509 BN 6509 MRL 364; scrapped 2007
3624 6513 BN 6513 MRL 360; scrapped 2007
3626 6361 BN 6514 MRL 359; scrapped 2007
6515 BN 6515 (would have been 3628) MRL 366; scrapped 2006
3630 6521 BN 6521 MRL 363 / ICE 363; scrapped 2007
3632 6525 BN 6525 MRL 361; scrapped 2007
3634 6542 BN 6542 Still on NYS&W, reclassed SD45-2. America 250 paint; June 5, 2026 special
parts 1778 née N&W 1778 Parts only; never operated as NYS&W

F45s

Later no. BN / early no. Disposition
3636 BN 6640 (also listed as NYS&W 6640) Scrapped Utica, September 2014
3638 BN 6644; also NYS&W 6370 / 6644 Montana Rail Link 390. Sold 2014; preservation reported as a possibility, not confirmed here
BN 6635, 6642 (photographed in NYS&W service on some lists) Same BN F45 order (1971). Treat extra 6600-series identities as the same small F45 fleet, not extra locomotives

GE four-axles

U23B and B23-7

Road no. Model Heritage Disposition
2300 GE B23-7 née L&N 5127; SBD 5127; CSX 3126; P&W 2214 Sold to Finger Lakes (FGLK 2300), October 2011
2302 GE U23B née Conrail 2794; P&W / BDLX 2208 Sold to Lehigh Railway (LRWY 2302), December 2008
2304 GE U23B née Conrail 2796; P&W 2207 Sold to Lehigh Railway (LRWY 2304), December 2008

BDLX 2209 (Big Dog Leasing) ran on the Susquehanna as a lessee. It never carried a NYS&W road number.

B40-8s, 4002–4048

Twenty-four Dash 8-40Bs were built new in Yellowjacket paint. The first four (#4002–4008) stayed into the 2000s and went to Providence & Worcester in 2004–05. The twenty units #4010–4048 were financed with CSX help in 1989 for stack trains (including the period when NYS&W was operating D&H). When CP took the D&H and the stacks faded, those twenty returned to CSX around 1991 as 5930-series B40-8s; several were later downgraded as CSX B20-8s.

NYS&W Built Went to
4002 1988 P&W 4004 (sold 2004)
4004 1988 P&W 4001 (sold 2004)
4006 1988 P&W 4003 (sold September 2005; last Yellowjacket B40-8 on NYS&W)
4008 1988 P&W 4002 (sold February 2005)
4010–4048 (even) 1989 CSX 5930–5949 series (not a 1:1 sequential map). CSX-financed; on the property only about 1989–91

Later EMD four- and six-axle power

GP20, GP38, GP40

Road no. Model Heritage Disposition
2012 EMD GP38 née B&O 3800 Sold April 2010; North Shore (NSHR) 2012, later NSHR 2017
2062, 2064, 2066 EMD GP20 Santa Fe via Toledo, Peoria & Western (2062 née ATSF 1140; 2064 née 1168; 2066 née 1151) Scrapped Binghamton, July 2014. The previous American-Rails NYS&W table still listed them “for sale”
3040 EMD GP40 née A&WP 732; SBD / CSXT 6652; CRL 256; NYS&W 256 (second) Current. Utica Branch
3042 EMD GP40 née N&W 1355 (high hood; received a low nose from SD45 3612) Scrapped Utica, September 2014

Tunnel motors, SD40s, and SD40-2s

Road no. Model as used Heritage Disposition
3010 SD40T-2 (NYS&W also classed SD40-2) née D&RGW 5397; SP 5397; UP 8590. Briefly numbered 3002 (second) Current; stored Binghamton in many 2010s–20s lists. Still a tunnel-motor carbody
3012 SD32ECO / SD33ECO née SP SD40T-2 8242 (4/1980) Current. Rebuilt 2016
3014 SD40T-2 née SP 8321 Current. Rebuilt / repainted Dansville, March 2007
3016 SD32ECO / SD33ECO née SP 8542 Current. Wrecked Deposit, N.Y., August 9, 2018; rebuilt
3018 SD40-2 née Southern 3267 (high hood); NS / BDLX 3267 Current. Leased 2002–03, bought 2004; nose chopped, Dansville 2006
3020 SD40 née N&W 1603 (high hood); NS / BDLX 1603 Scrapped Utica, September 2014
3022 SD40-2 (reclassed; SD40 carbody) née N&W 1605; NS / BDLX 1605 Current. Nose chopped, Dansville 2006
3024 SD40-2 née BN 7200 (10/1979, s/n A3802); NS 3553. On property from about 2020 Current. Maroon-and-silver heritage paint, 2023

SD60s (2012–)

Six GMTX / Oakway SD60s arrived in 2012. Two were in the August 9, 2018 Deposit wreck with #3016. By 2025 at least #3802 and #3810 wore WNYP marks; #3804 and #3808 have been listed sold to New Orleans Public Belt.

Road no. Heritage Notes
3800 GMTX 9016; née EMDX / Oakway 9016 (s/n 867150-17) Wrecked Deposit, August 9, 2018
3802 GMTX 9044; née EMDX 9044 Sold to WNYP (photographed with WNYP marks by June 2025)
3804 GMTX / Oakway 9061 Listed sold to New Orleans Public Belt
3806 GMTX 9067; née EMDX 9067 Wrecked Deposit, August 9, 2018
3808 GMTX / Oakway 9082 Listed sold to New Orleans Public Belt
3810 GMTX 9094; née EMDX 9094 Sold to WNYP (photographed with WNYP marks by June 2025)

SD70M (built new) and SD70M-2 (ex-NS)

Road no. Model Built / serial Disposition
4050 EMD SD70M New 1995 Sold to Norfolk Southern as NS 2797, September 2014
4052 EMD SD70M New 1995 NS 2798, September 2014
4054 EMD SD70M New 1995 NS 2799, September 2014
4060 EMD SD70M-2 s/n 20056710-51; ex-NS 2751 Current. Arrived late 2020; Yellowjacket 2023
4062 EMD SD70M-2 s/n 20056710-74; ex-NS Current. June 5, 2026 Binghamton–Callicoon special
4064 EMD SD70M-2 s/n 20056710-8; née NS 2708 (2/2006) Current. First of the four painted Yellowjacket, March 2023
4066 EMD SD70M-2 s/n 20046650-36; née NS 2684 Current

Passenger E9s

Road no. Model Heritage Disposition
2400 EMD E9 (rebuilt) née CB&Q 9991; BN 9921 Sold to Larry’s Truck & Electric, 2006; later Cape Cod Central / Iowa Pacific, Hyannis, Mass.
2402 EMD E9 (rebuilt) née CB&Q 9985; BN 9915 Same sale path as #2400, 2006

The 1940 ACF motor cars and 1950 Budd RDCs were passenger cars, not locomotives. They are sketched on the history page, not here.

Notes and caveats

  • Even = MU. Odd-numbered diesels were not multiple-unit equipped in the original scheme. Spotters still use that to read a photograph.
  • 116 is a compiled count, not a builder total. Lawrence’s all-time diesel list is the best single compilation in print/online for this railroad. Rebuilds (SD40T-2 to SD32ECO) and renumbers (2002/260/2010; 256 second; 3002 second) will make any two spreadsheets disagree by a few rows if you double-count.
  • C636 vs M636. #3660 and #3662 were Schenectady C636 demonstrators. #3664–3674 were Montreal M636s. Do not add them into the Alco C636 production total of 34.
  • No NYS&W 2209. Photographs labeled that way are BDLX 2209.
  • The live American-Rails roster (through 2024) still showed GP20s for sale, a B23-7, SD40s, and stored SD70Ms. That was a 2000s–2010s snapshot, not the 2026 railroad.

Related Reading on American-Rails.com

Sources

  • Scot Lawrence, “Susquehanna Railway Roster and Survivors” (all-time diesel list, ~116 units; RS1/S2/C430/BN/B40-8 dispositions; notes on 231/233, BDLX 2209, Cartier timeline)
  • The Diesel Shop, NYS&W locomotive roster and the railroad’s own November 1990 locomotive summary (Ted Grumbine collection)
  • Railroad Picture Archives, NYSW model lists (serials for S2, RS1, C420, C430, SD40 family, SD60, SD70M-2; dispositions as labeled)
  • Prime Mover Decals NYS&W diesel notes (original S2/RS1/Whitcomb build dates and 1960s–80s dispositions)
  • Railfan & Railroad, M.T. Burkhart, May 11, 2023 (SD70M-2 Yellowjacket; #3024 maroon-and-silver heritage)
  • Trains News Wire, Bill Stephens, June 6, 2026 (Binghamton–Callicoon special; #3634 and #4062)
  • WNYP roster, The Diesel Shop (ex-NYS&W C430s, M636s, SD60s 3802/3810)

Recent Articles

  1. Railroads In The 2000s: Merger Freeze, Wisconsin Central & Buffett

    Sep 13, 26 07:57 AM

    cnw-8637.jpg
    U.S. railroads 2000–2010—Class I mileage 99,250 to 95,573. STB merger freeze March 17 2000, CN–WC Oct. 9 2001, BNSF Railway Jan. 24 2005, Buffett Nov. 3 2009.

    Read More

  2. Railroads In The 1990s: Mega-Mergers, Conrail’s Split & the STB

    Sep 13, 26 12:13 AM

    atsf-b408w-514.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1990–2000—Class I mileage 119,758 to 99,250. BNSF Sept. 22 1995, UP–SP Sept. 11 1996, Conrail split June 1 1999, ICC Termination Dec. 29 1995.

    Read More

  3. Railroads In The 1980s: Staggers, Mega-Mergers & Conrail’s IPO

    Sep 12, 26 11:12 PM

    atsf-5968-tehachapi.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1980–1990—Class I mileage 164,822 to 119,758. Staggers Oct. 14 1980, CSX and Norfolk Southern, UP–Missouri Pacific–Western Pacific, Conrail IPO March 26 1987.

    Read More

  4. Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s: History, Roster & Specifications

    Sep 12, 26 11:01 PM

    7802095372364635j3u463907-93-84.jpg
    Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s—Baldwin 1930–31, twenty-five engines 2900–2924. Fast freight, complete roster, specifications. None preserved.

    Read More

  5. Staggers Rail Act of 1980: Statute, Contract Rates & the ICC

    Sep 10, 26 11:23 PM

    2323923987056192098hqqpi6yi1004818.jpg
    Staggers Rail Act, Pub. L. 96-448, signed October 14, 1980. Harley Staggers, S.1946, contract rates, 180% variable-cost test, abandonments, short lines.

    Read More

  6. Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built

    Sep 10, 26 10:51 PM

    929385273527728732893689260927.jpg
    Full U.S. railroad history hub—origins and inventors, Golden Age peak mileage, Civil War and transcontinental, streamliners, ICC regulation, Penn Central and Conrail, Staggers Act, PSR, and today’s Cl…

    Read More

  7. Rock Island E8A 652: Bicentennial Independence Paint & History

    Sep 10, 26 10:42 PM

    crip-bicentennial-652.jpg
    Rock Island E8A 652—EMD March 1952, serial 15199. 20th Century Railroad Club Independence bicentennial scheme, Peoria and Quad Cities Rockets, Midland Railway, Manly Junction Museum.

    Read More

  8. Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 10:37 PM

    okemo-christmas.jpg
    2026 Vermont Christmas trains—Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Chester Depot Dec. 19–20. Polar is Burlington Dec. 5–6 only.

    Read More

  9. Railroads In The 1970s: Penn Central, Amtrak & Conrail

    Sep 10, 26 10:18 AM

    7000912765155tg257h2693790809.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1970–1980—196,479 miles at the decade’s start. Penn Central bankruptcy June 21 1970, Amtrak May 1 1971, 3R/4R Acts, Conrail April 1 1976, Rock Island 1975, Milwaukee 1977.

    Read More

  10. Railroads In The 1960s: Mergers, Passenger Collapse & Penn Central

    Sep 10, 26 10:03 AM

    9059258273627625355798690370489.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1960–1970—207,334 to 196,479 miles. Erie Lackawanna 1960, C&O–B&O 1963, N&W–Nickel Plate 1964, SCL 1967, Penn Central Feb. 1 1968.

    Read More

  11. South Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 08:36 AM

    scrm-christmas-trains.jpg
    2026 South Carolina Christmas trains—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train in Winnsboro. Confirm December dates. Not Polar Express. Drop light-festival padding.

    Read More

  12. Steam Locomotive Feedwater Heaters: Elesco, Coffin & Worthington

    Sep 10, 26 08:29 AM

    1215494i158jk3008569.jpg
    Steam locomotive feedwater heaters—open Worthington vs closed Elesco and Coffin. How they work, how to identify them on a smokebox, and why not every engine had one.

    Read More

  13. Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 08:22 AM

    sumpter-valley-rr-christmas.jpg
    2026 Oregon Christmas trains—Portland Holiday Express, Garibaldi Candy Cane Express, Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains Dec. 11–13. Polar is Mount Hood.

    Read More

  14. Lake Shore & Michigan Southern: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 10, 26 08:12 AM

    91827317263515234152647821589237296.jpg
    Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway—Erie & Kalamazoo 1833, Michigan Southern to Chicago 1852, LS&MS April 6 1869, Vanderbilt, Ashtabula 1876, NYC merger Dec. 22 1914. 1910 map and Official Guide.

    Read More

  15. Big Four Route (CCC&StL): Map, History

    Sep 10, 26 12:19 AM

    7910234912476735u257198602078.jpg
    Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway—Bee Line 1868, Ingalls’s first Big Four 1880, CCC&StL June 30, 1889, NYC lease Feb. 1, 1930. 1910 and 1930 maps, what still runs.

    Read More

  16. Railroads In The 1950s: Diesel, the Interstate & Passenger Collapse

    Sep 10, 26 12:15 AM

    98810857768274776020098793.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1950–1960—223,779 to 211,459 miles. Interstate June 29, 1956, dieselization, passenger collapse, TOFC, 1957–58 recession, NYO&W 1957, N&W–Virginian 1959.

    Read More

  17. New Jersey Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 12:06 AM

    brw-ringoes-nj-depot.jpg
    2026 New Jersey Christmas trains—Black River & Western Santa Express from Flemington and Pine Creek Christmas trains in Wall Township. Polar is Whippany and Phillipsburg.

    Read More

  18. New Mexico Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 11:57 PM

    cts-christmas-483.jpg
    2026 New Mexico Christmas trains—Cumbres & Toltec Santa’s Holiday Express from Chama Dec. 5–6 (and Antonito, Colo., Dec. 12–13). Coach $25/$15. Not Polar Express.

    Read More

  19. Grand Trunk Railway: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 09, 26 11:47 PM

    8872716353247815286928989879.jpg
    Grand Trunk Railway of Canada—charter Nov. 10, 1852, Montreal–Toronto 1856, Portland, Sarnia, Victoria Bridge, St. Clair Tunnel 1891, Great Western 1882, GTPR, CN Jan. 20, 1923. 1893 map and Official…

    Read More

  20. Troop Trains In World War II: Sleepers, Kitchen Cars & Movements

    Sep 09, 26 11:42 PM

    187462176178252135657873899782131651.jpg
    WWII U.S. troop trains—almost 44 million armed-services passengers, Pullman troop sleepers, ACF kitchen cars, hospital trains, monthly movement tables 1942–45. Not the Military Railway Service. ODT an…

    Read More

  21. Railroads In The 1940s: War Traffic, Last Steam & the Diesel Flood

    Sep 09, 26 11:37 PM

    milw-galewood-yard.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1940–1950—233,670 to 223,779 miles. World War II as the decade’s center, last new steam, diesel flood after V-J Day, 1945 car orders, California Zephyr 1949.

    Read More

  22. Railroads In World War II: ODT, Record Traffic & Private Operation

    Sep 09, 26 03:00 PM

    dcruiews34899543233.jpg
    U.S. railroads in World War II—Lend-Lease freight, Pearl Harbor, Office of Defense Transportation, 1944 peak ~740 billion ton-miles, Dec. 1943–Jan. 1944 seizure. Private operation, not a USRA sequel.

    Read More

  23. Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 02:54 PM

    charlie-russell-christmas.jpg
    2026 Montana Christmas trains—Charlie Russell Chew Choo North Pole Adventure from Hanover/Lewistown, Nov. 27–Dec. 19, $71, about 1.5 hours. Not Polar Express.

    Read More

  24. Railroads In The 1930s: Depression, Streamliners & the FT

    Sep 09, 26 09:32 AM

    cxdroo44009887239586.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1930–1940—249,052 to 233,670 miles. Section 77, Eastman, Motor Carrier Act, M-10000 and Pioneer Zephyr 1934, EMC FT 1939. Decade frame, not the streamliner encyclopedia.

    Read More

  25. Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina): LK&P History, Roster & 2026 End

    Sep 09, 26 08:19 AM

    lkprr-anaka-sugar.jpg
    Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Sugar Cane Train—3-foot tourist line 1970–2014. Anaka, Myrtle, 2023 and 2025 fires, September 2026 scrapping. Roster, Hahakea trestle, Pioneer Mill corridor.

    Read More

  26. Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 08:16 AM

    shelburne-christmas.jpg
    2026 Massachusetts Christmas trains—Shelburne Falls Moonlight Magic Friday Nov. 27; Edaville Festival of Lights in Carver. Polar is Cape Cod Central in Buzzards Bay.

    Read More

  27. Railroads In The 1920s: Transportation Act, Super Power Steam & Autos

    Sep 09, 26 08:12 AM

    bo-p5-washingtonexpress.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1920–1930—return from the USRA, Transportation Act, shopmen’s strike 1922, 1925 diesel switchers, Lima Super Power, NYC Hudson, NP 4-8-4. Mileage down from the 1916 peak. Decade frame…

    Read More

  28. United States Railroad Administration (USRA)

    Sep 08, 26 11:39 PM

    11235379csgslqp9ryzhfal68vbo2hey5.jpg
    USRA federal control Dec. 28, 1917–March 1, 1920. McAdoo and Hines, Federal Control Act, compensation, standard steam locomotives (~1,850 originals) and 100,000 freight cars. Types, allocations, retur…

    Read More

  29. Maine Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 08, 26 11:35 PM

    wwf-christmas-hero.jpg
    2026 Maine Christmas trains—WW&F Victorian Christmas in Alna Dec. 5, 12 & 19; Seashore Trolley Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport. Polar is Maine Narrow Gauge in Portland.

    Read More

  30. Cab-Forward Steam Locomotives: SP History, Classes, Roster & Specs

    Sep 08, 26 11:23 PM

    238452734727666237647823598349639798379048.jpg
    Southern Pacific cab-forwards—MC-1 through AC-12. Why the cab sat in front on Donner, compound Mallets to simple 4-8-8-2s, complete class roster and specifications. SP 4294 at Sacramento.

    Read More

  31. Minnesota "400" (Train): Route, Consist, Timetable & History

    Sep 08, 26 11:00 PM

    19752813572935782967986893788.jpg
    C&NW Minnesota 400—June 14, 1936 Mankato–Wyeville connection with the Twin Cities 400. Atlantics, 1942 shrouded Pacifics, 1945 Official Guide consist and timetable. Became the Dakota 400 (1950) an…

    Read More

  32. Railroads During World War I: Car Shortage, Troops & Federal Control

    Sep 08, 26 10:05 PM

    DC1917WW1.jpg
    U.S. railroads in World War I—export freight from 1914, April 6 1917, 158,000-car shortage, USRA Dec. 28, 1917–March 1, 1920. Facts, statistics, and photos.

    Read More

  33. Railroads In The U.S. (1910s): Facts, Statistics, Photos

    Sep 08, 26 03:07 PM

    90q09767177268930979840990.jpg
    Railroads during the 1910s, the period from 1910-1920, was a pivotal time witnessing record mileage and federal takeover during World War I.

    Read More

  34. Railroads In The 1890s: Safety Appliance, Panic, Pullman Strike

    Sep 08, 26 01:41 PM

    340ocrbu8234pqlwo867.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1890–1900—163,600 to 193,346 miles. Safety Appliance Act March 2, 1893, Panic of 1893, Pullman Strike 1894, NYC 999. Decade frame, not the Second Industrial Revolution.

    Read More

  35. Maryland Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 08, 26 10:52 AM

    walkersville-rr-christmas.jpg
    2026 Maryland Christmas trains—Walkersville Southern Santa Trains from $28/$30 Coach, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Polar is Western Maryland Scenic in Cumberland.

    Read More

  36. Railroads In The 1880s: Standard Time, Gauge, Mileage & the ICC

    Sep 08, 26 10:34 AM

    79900238476154443125372838587.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1880–1890—93,200 to 163,600 miles, 70,400 added. Standard Time Nov. 18, 1883, Southern 5-foot change 1886, Interstate Commerce Act 1887.

    Read More

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

    Sep 08, 26 09:41 AM

    bgrr-santa-train.jpg
    2026 Kentucky Christmas trains—Bluegrass Scenic Santa trains in Versailles and Kentucky Railway Museum Santa / North Pole Express in New Haven. Polar is Stearns.

    Read More

  38. Kansas Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:39 PM

    absv-cowtown-xmas.jpg
    2026 Kansas Christmas trains—Abilene & Smoky Valley Cowtown Santa Express Nov. 20–Dec. 23, from $35.

    Read More

  39. Iowa Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:29 PM

    midwestcentral-xmas-train.jpg
    2026 Iowa Christmas trains—Midwest Central North Pole Express in Mt. Pleasant Dec. 5–20, $35. Boone Santa Express: confirm 2026. Not Polar Express.

    Read More

  40. Arkansas Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:20 PM

    am-christmas-train.jpg
    2026 Arkansas Christmas trains—Arkansas & Missouri Holiday Express Pajama Train from Springdale to Johnson, about one hour. Coach from $25/$17.50 listed. Not Polar Express.

    Read More

  41. Michigan Central Railroad: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 06, 26 11:13 PM

    789102942856559265253465286989078.jpg
    Michigan Central Railroad—Detroit & St. Joseph 1832, Boston capital 1846, Chicago 1852, Canada Southern, Detroit River Tunnel, Michigan Central Station. Map, 1893 Official Guide, what still runs.

    Read More

  42. Alabama Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 11:03 PM

    hodrm-north-pole-express.jpg
    2026 Alabama Christmas trains—Heart of Dixie North Pole Express in Calera (Nov. 13–Dec. 20) and North Alabama Santa Train / North Star Limited at Chase. Not Polar Express.

    Read More

  43. D&H RF-16s 1205 & 1216: Heritage, Specs & Where They Ran

    Sep 06, 26 10:47 PM

    dh-rf16s-colonie.jpg
    Delaware & Hudson Baldwin RF-16 Sharks 1205 and 1216—ex-NYC 3805/3816, last two survivors. Specs, Colonie overhaul, where they ran, Castolite/Michigan Northern/E&LS storage.

    Read More

  44. Great Railroad Strike Of 1877: Martinsburg, Pittsburgh & Elsewhere

    Sep 06, 26 10:35 PM

    xdvgmkol7521589004345.jpg
    Great Railroad Strike of 1877—B&O wage cut July 16 at Camden Junction and Martinsburg, Baltimore and Pittsburgh shootings, Reading, Chicago viaduct, St. Louis general strike. First national industrial…

    Read More

  45. Railroads In The 1870s: Panic, Strike, Mileage, Steel & Air Brakes

    Sep 06, 26 08:44 AM

    3677126452634728289900978.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1870–1880—52,922 to ~93,200 miles. Panic of 1873, Crédit Mobilier, Granger laws, Westinghouse automatic brake 1872, Ashtabula 1876, Great Strike 1877. Decade frame, not the West encyclo…

    Read More

  46. Arizona Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 08:29 AM

    verdecanyon-magicalxmas.jpg
    2026 Arizona Christmas trains—Verde Canyon Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale, Nov. 27–Dec. 24, one hour, from $60/$40. Polar is Grand Canyon Railway in Williams.

    Read More

  47. Wisconsin Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 12:37 AM

    wisconsingreatnorthern-pizza-train.jpg
    2026 Wisconsin Christmas trains—Mid-Continent Santa Express Nov. 28–Dec. 6, East Troy Christmas trolleys Nov. 27–Dec. 20. Polar is Green Bay (sold out).

    Read More

  48. Railroads In The 1860s: Civil War, Pacific Railroad, Mileage & Steel

    Sep 06, 26 12:32 AM

    6i990199273615t1fbnkkkko6010981.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1860–1870—~30,600 to 52,922 miles. Civil War as the decade’s center, Pacific Railway Acts and Promontory, Vanderbilt’s NYC, Pullman Pioneer, Bessemer rail, Westinghouse 1869. Decade fra…

    Read More

  49. Railroads In The 1850s: Mileage, Land Grants, Trunk Lines & the West

    Sep 06, 26 12:20 AM

    850201817y97003822y777910.jpg
    U.S. railroads 1850–1860—9,021 to ~30,600 miles, Illinois Central land grant, NYC 1853, Erie to Dunkirk, PRR/B&O to the Ohio, Minot’s 1851 train order, Rock Island bridge. Facts and lithographs. N…

    Read More

  50. Highball: Railroad Ball Signals, Slang & Meaning

    Sep 05, 26 09:27 PM

    1816235126731950658787987.jpg
    Highball in railroading—ball signals (ball at the masthead meant proceed), Whitefield N.H. survivor, radio and hand-signal slang.

    Read More