American-Rails.com Blog
Here is your one-stop shop for learning about all of the newest additions or changes happening at American-Rails.com. Listed below is every page that is either new or which was updated within the last few days. Simply click on the link "Continue Reading..." under each heading to visit the page in question. With new articles added on a regular basis be sure and either check back here often or subscribe to the website's RSS feed to keep up with the latest.
Jul 27, 2024
Georges Creek Railway: Maintaining The Old WM
The Georges Creek Railway was a former Maryland short line operating 14 miles of the ex-Western Maryland/C&P near Westernport, MD. Service lasted from 2007-2019.
Continue reading "Georges Creek Railway: Maintaining The Old WM"
Jul 26, 2024
The "Lone Star": Amtrak's Former "Texas Chief" Route
The "Lone Star" was Amtrak's renamed "Texas Chief" after the Santa Fe demanded the carrier stop using the "Chief" name due to declining service. It operated from 1974-1979.
Continue reading "The "Lone Star": Amtrak's Former "Texas Chief" Route"
Jul 26, 2024
Union Railroad Company: Serving Pittsburgh's Steel Mills
The Union Railroad Company is a historic short line/industrial system that has served Pittsburgh's steel industry since 1896.
Continue reading "Union Railroad Company: Serving Pittsburgh's Steel Mills"
Jul 26, 2024
The "Three Rivers": Amtrak's 'Broadway Limited' Replacement
The "Three Rivers" was Amtrak's immediate replacement to the "Broadway Limited," canceled in 1995. The train ran until 2007 following the cancellation of USPS mail contracts.
Continue reading "The "Three Rivers": Amtrak's 'Broadway Limited' Replacement"
Jul 26, 2024
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad, "The Southwestern Route"
The El Paso & Southwestern was a large system serving the copper industry in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.
Continue reading "El Paso & Southwestern Railroad, "The Southwestern Route""
Jul 26, 2024
Alco's RSC3: Providing Light Branch Line Duties
Alco's RSC3 was another early, A1A-A1A road-switcher model intended to handle light branch line duties. It sold poorly during its five year production run.
Continue reading "Alco's RSC3: Providing Light Branch Line Duties"
Jul 26, 2024
Vermont Railway: Preserving The Former Rutland
The Vermont Railway maintains over 400 miles of track in its home state, much of which is the former Rutland Railroad. The company also hosts public excursions.
Continue reading "Vermont Railway: Preserving The Former Rutland"
Jul 26, 2024
Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad: Operating The Ex-B&O
The Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad is a short line launched in 2015 over the ex-B&O between Parkersburg, WV and Relief, Ohio.
Continue reading "Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad: Operating The Ex-B&O"
Jul 26, 2024
Rock Island Rail: Reviving The Classic CRI&P Name
Rock Island Rail - officially Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Continue reading "Rock Island Rail: Reviving The Classic CRI&P Name"
Jul 26, 2024
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway: "Santa Fe, All The Way!"
A detailed history of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, better known as the "Santa Fe."
Continue reading "Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway: "Santa Fe, All The Way!""
Jul 26, 2024
Wisconsin Central Railway: A 2000+ Mile Regional (1987-2001)
The Wisconsin Central Railway was a Midwest system dating to 1897 that became part of the Soo Line.
Continue reading "Wisconsin Central Railway: A 2000+ Mile Regional (1987-2001)"
Jul 26, 2024
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway: "Ship it on the Frisco!"
The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway ("The Frisco") struggled for many years but became quite profitable before its 1981 acquisition by the Burlington Northern.
Continue reading "St. Louis-San Francisco Railway: "Ship it on the Frisco!""
Jul 26, 2024
St. Louis Southwestern Railway, "The Cotton Belt Route"
The Cotton Belt Railroad, officially known as the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, connected St. Lous with Texas and was a SP subsidiary after 1932.
Continue reading "St. Louis Southwestern Railway, "The Cotton Belt Route""
Jul 26, 2024
Pere Marquette Railway, Serving The Heart Of Michigan
The Pere Marquette Railway was one of Michigan's largest railroads serving most of the state as well as Buffalo, New York. It was merged into the C&O in 1947.
Continue reading "Pere Marquette Railway, Serving The Heart Of Michigan"
Jul 26, 2024
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, "The Katy"
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas, better known as the "Katy," was a southern Midwest line that connected St. Louis with much of east Texas.
Continue reading "Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, "The Katy""
Jul 25, 2024
The Life and Work of Grif Teller: The PRR's Canvas Maestro
Grif Teller (1899-1993) was a noted artist often commissioned by the Pennsylvania Railroad to feature scenes of the company in its annual calendars.
Continue reading "The Life and Work of Grif Teller: The PRR's Canvas Maestro"
Jul 25, 2024
Rutland Railroad: "The Green Mountain Gateway"
The Rutland Railroad served its home state of Vermont for nearly 120 years. It shut down in 1961 after a labor strike.
Continue reading "Rutland Railroad: "The Green Mountain Gateway""
Jul 25, 2024
GO Transit Commuter Rail: Serving Greater Toronto
GO Transit, established in 1967, is the Greater Toronto's and Hamilton's primary commuter rail system, serving millions of riders annually.
Continue reading "GO Transit Commuter Rail: Serving Greater Toronto"
Jul 25, 2024
Soo Line Railroad: "Ship Soo To And Through The Upper Midwest"
The Soo Line Railroad, officially known as the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie served the upper Midwest.
Continue reading "Soo Line Railroad: "Ship Soo To And Through The Upper Midwest""
Jul 25, 2024
Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway: "The Dan Patch Line"
The Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern began as an interurban and transitioned into a successful belt line.
Continue reading "Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway: "The Dan Patch Line""
Jul 25, 2024
Jay Cooke & Company: Financing The Northern Pacific
Jay Cooke is better remember of role in banking and railroad financing, such as establishing the NP, than actually managing such systems.
Continue reading "Jay Cooke & Company: Financing The Northern Pacific"
Jul 25, 2024
Leland Stanford: A Pioneering Force In American Railroads
Leland Stanford was another member of the Big Four which helped finance the Central Pacific Railroad. It was he who secured much of the land and financing for the project.
Continue reading "Leland Stanford: A Pioneering Force In American Railroads"
Jul 25, 2024
Daniel Drew: The Infamous Participant of the Erie War
Daniel Drew is another of the remembered railroad tycoons who is most often associated with the Erie. Here, Drew both earned and lost his massive wealth.
Continue reading "Daniel Drew: The Infamous Participant of the Erie War"
Jul 25, 2024
James Fisk, Jr.: A Financier Best Known For "The Erie War"
James Fisk, was a ruthless railroad stock broker and speculator that fought for control of the Erie along with two associates. He was killed in1872 by a former business associate.
Continue reading "James Fisk, Jr.: A Financier Best Known For "The Erie War""
Jul 25, 2024
Edward Harriman: An Exceptional Railroad Executive
Railroad magnate Edward Harriman was an outstanding manager who guided Union Pacific through uncertain times and laid its foundation.
Continue reading "Edward Harriman: An Exceptional Railroad Executive"
Jul 25, 2024
Commuter Trains (USA): A Brief Overview Of Various Routes
Here you can learn more about many of the commuter trains and agencies that operate around the country, from Metra to Caltrain.
Continue reading "Commuter Trains (USA): A Brief Overview Of Various Routes"
Jul 25, 2024
James J. Hill: The "Empire Builder" Who Built The Great Northern
James Jerome Hill, long revered as the Empire Builder for his role in developing the Great Northern and other railroads.
Continue reading "James J. Hill: The "Empire Builder" Who Built The Great Northern"
Jul 24, 2024
Railroading's Last Great Era: The 1950s
The 1950s was not a good decade. While diesel locomotives replaced steam passengers continued to leave and freight also declined as mileage shrank.
Jul 24, 2024
O. Winston Link: Pioneering Railroad Photographer
O. Winston Link's black and white railroad photography offers a timeless look at the late-steam era. His work continues to resonate today and can be seen at the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, VA.
Continue reading "O. Winston Link: Pioneering Railroad Photographer"
Jul 24, 2024
Railroads In The 20th Century (1900s)
Railroads in the 20th century continued to build new track until roughly 1920 and the first decade of the 20th century saw new government oversight.
Jul 24, 2024
Railroads In The 1930s: Streamliners and the Depression
Railroads in the 1930s saw a huge push to get passengers back to the rails through the introduction of the streamliner in 1934 on the UP and Burlington.
Continue reading "Railroads In The 1930s: Streamliners and the Depression"
Jul 24, 2024
A History Of Railroads: The Industry Through The Years
Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here.
Continue reading "A History Of Railroads: The Industry Through The Years"
Jul 24, 2024
International - Great Northern Railroad: MP's Link To Laredo
The International - Great Northern dates back to the 19th century and linked Longview, Laredo, Houston and Denver/Fort Worth. It was an important component of Missouri Pacific.
Continue reading "International - Great Northern Railroad: MP's Link To Laredo"
Jul 24, 2024
Tacoma Rail: Serving The Puget Sound
Tacoma Rail is a Class III short line that began operations in 1994, primarily over ex-Milwaukee Road and BNSF Railway trackage around Tacoma, WA.
Jul 24, 2024
The "Blue Comet": An Icon of American Rail Travel
The "Blue Comet" was Jersey Central's legendary passenger train linking Jersey City with Atlantic City. The opulent train ran from 1929-1941.
Continue reading "The "Blue Comet": An Icon of American Rail Travel"
Jul 24, 2024
Nickel Plate Road PA-1 #190: A Reborn Icon
Nickel Plate Road PA-1 #190 is a replica of the original rebuilt by Doyle McCormack during a 21-year period before selling the engine in 2023.
Continue reading "Nickel Plate Road PA-1 #190: A Reborn Icon"
Jul 24, 2024
Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad: Serving The U.P. Since 1892
The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad dates back to 1892 and has always served northern Michigan and primarily focused on the movement of ore.
Continue reading "Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad: Serving The U.P. Since 1892"
Jul 24, 2024
Colorado and Southern Railway: A CB&Q Subsidiary
The Colorado & Southern operated across the southwest from Colorado to Texas. It became part of the Burlington but retained its name through the 1980s.
Continue reading "Colorado and Southern Railway: A CB&Q Subsidiary"
Jul 23, 2024
The Railroad Diamond: Intersection of Steel and Precision
The diamond has remained a fascinating location in railroading where two, or more, lines meet and cross. It has also been notoriously difficult to maintain.
Continue reading "The Railroad Diamond: Intersection of Steel and Precision"
Jul 23, 2024
The "Blue Goose": Santa Fe's Only Streamlined Engine
Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3460 was part of its 3460 Class of 4-6-4s and was the railroad's only streamlined steam locomotive. It was utlimately scrapped in the 1950s.
Continue reading "The "Blue Goose": Santa Fe's Only Streamlined Engine"
Jul 23, 2024
South Buffalo Railway: An Industrial Short Line
The South Buffalo Railway has been providing terminal services to its home city since 1899. Long owned by Bethlehem Steel it is currently owned by Genesee & Wyoming.
Continue reading "South Buffalo Railway: An Industrial Short Line"
Jul 23, 2024
Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad: "We Have The Connections!"
The Detroit, Toledo & Ironton was a regional railroad serving western Ohio and Detroit. What's left today is operated by a short line.
Continue reading "Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad: "We Have The Connections!""
Jul 23, 2024
Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (1986-2008)
The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern was once a large Class II regional serving the upper Midwest over former C&NW lines.
Continue reading "Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (1986-2008)"
Jul 23, 2024
Cranberry Grade: B&O's Second Crossing Of The Alleghenies
The B&O's Cranberry Grade was one of several engineering feats the railroad accomplished in keeping its main line grade manageable across the Alleghenies.
Continue reading "Cranberry Grade: B&O's Second Crossing Of The Alleghenies"
Jul 23, 2024
Dallas Union Station, The City's Passenger Hub Since 1916
Dallas Union Station, also known as Dallas Union Terminal, is a historic train station located in Dallas, Texas. It serves as a major hub for Amtrak's and the city's commuter rail services.
Continue reading "Dallas Union Station, The City's Passenger Hub Since 1916"
Jul 23, 2024
The "Firefly": Frisco's First Streamliner
The "Firefly" was Frisco's first streamliner when it began service on March 29, 1940. It addition, it was the first built in the southwest.
Continue reading "The "Firefly": Frisco's First Streamliner"
Jul 23, 2024
Saratoga and North Creek Railway: A Former NY Tourist Train
The Saratoga and North Creek Railway is a former tourist train which operated an ex-Delaware & Hudson branch line in New York from 2011-2018.
Continue reading "Saratoga and North Creek Railway: A Former NY Tourist Train"
Jul 23, 2024
Ann Arbor Railroad: The Classic "Annie"
The historic Ann Arbor Railroad has served Michigan for more than 100 years despite many twists and turns. Today, most of the original route is still in use.
Jul 23, 2024
The CSX "Santa Train": A Heartwarming Tradition
The Santa Train, a CSX tradition dating back to 1943, continues to run the original Clinchfield Railroad bringing goodwill to local communities.
Continue reading "The CSX "Santa Train": A Heartwarming Tradition"
Recent Articles
-
Georges Creek Railway: Maintaining The Old WM
Jul 27, 24 12:38 AM
The Georges Creek Railway was a former Maryland short line operating 14 miles of the ex-Western Maryland/C&P near Westernport, MD. Service lasted from 2007-2019. -
The "Lone Star": Amtrak's Former "Texas Chief" Route
Jul 26, 24 11:52 PM
The "Lone Star" was Amtrak's renamed "Texas Chief" after the Santa Fe demanded the carrier stop using the "Chief" name due to declining service. It operated from 1974-1979. -
Union Railroad Company: Serving Pittsburgh's Steel Mills
Jul 26, 24 10:12 PM
The Union Railroad Company is a historic short line/industrial system that has served Pittsburgh's steel industry since 1896.