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.
Aug 10, 2020
"Rexall Train" Of 1936 (NYC): Route, Photos, History
The Rexall Train was a publicity endeavor carried out by the United Drug Company and several railroads during 1936 touring every state except Nevada.
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Aug 10, 2020
"Broadway Limited" (Train): Schedule, Consist, Route Map
The Broadway Limited was the flagship passenger train of the Pennsy offering unparalelled services of any streamliner ever operated.
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Aug 06, 2020
Capitol Limited (Train): Schedule, Route Map, Menu & More
The Capitol Limited was the Baltimore & Ohio's flagship run between Chicago and New York. It originally hit the rails in 1923 and was streamlined in 1938.
Continue reading "Capitol Limited (Train): Schedule, Route Map, Menu & More"
Aug 05, 2020
Empire Builder (Train): Route Map, Timetable, History
The Empire Builder was Great Northern's flagship train between Chicago and Seattle that began service in 1929. It survives today under Amtrak.
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Aug 03, 2020
"20th Century Ltd" (Train): Interior, Consist, Route Map
The 20th Century Limited was the flagship passenger train of the NYC, operating until 1967 (just prior to the Penn Central merger).
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Aug 02, 2020
Iowa Northern Railway: Map, Locomotive Roster, Photos
The Iowa Northern Railway was become a profitable and large shortline since it began in 1984 over former Rock Island trackage. Today, it owns 163 miles of rehabbed lines and continues to grow.
Continue reading "Iowa Northern Railway: Map, Locomotive Roster, Photos"
Jul 30, 2020
Ohio Central Railroad System: Map, Roster, Overview
The Ohio Central System (OHCR) dates back to 1988 when it began over former W&LE and PRR trackage. Today, it operates more than 500 miles and is owned by G&W.
Continue reading "Ohio Central Railroad System: Map, Roster, Overview"
Jul 22, 2020
Arkansas Scenic Train Rides: A Complete Guide
There are not many Arkansas train rides available although the Arkansas & Missouri offers an incredible experience!
Continue reading "Arkansas Scenic Train Rides: A Complete Guide"
Jul 22, 2020
Indiana & Ohio Railway: Map, Roster, Photos & More
The Indiana & Ohio Railway is a regional line located in southern and western Ohio owned by Genesee & Wyoming. Learn about the history of its lines and current operations.
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Jul 18, 2020
Iowa Traction Railway Company: Map, Roster, Photos
The Iowa Traction Railway is the last original interurban line still in operation using electric locomotives. It dates to 1897 and has changed names but still operates its original route.
Continue reading "Iowa Traction Railway Company: Map, Roster, Photos"
Jul 17, 2020
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Map, Roster, History
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad is a large Class III, shortline that began service in 1986. Along with a wide range of freight services the railroad also hosts tourist trains.
Continue reading "Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Map, Roster, History"
Jul 16, 2020
St. Marys Railroad Express (Georgia): Events, Map, Roster
The St. Marys Railroad is a small short line in Georgia serving its home city. The company dates to 1911 and owns just a few miles of track.
Continue reading "St. Marys Railroad Express (Georgia): Events, Map, Roster"
Jul 14, 2020
Sandersville Railroad: Map, Roster, History, & More
The Sandersville Railroad, also known as the Kaolin Road, is a shortline that has been in business since 1893 and still serves its namesake town operating about nine miles of track.
Continue reading "Sandersville Railroad: Map, Roster, History, & More"
Jul 13, 2020
Lancaster & Chester Railway: Locomotive Roster, Map & More
The Lancaster & Chester Railway, also known as "The Springmaid Line," is a historic South Carolina shortline dating to 1896 connecting its namesake cities.
Continue reading "Lancaster & Chester Railway: Locomotive Roster, Map & More"
Jul 12, 2020
Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: Map And Bridge Incident
The Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad is a shortline operating in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia that began service in 1990.
Continue reading "Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: Map And Bridge Incident"
Jul 09, 2020
Georgia Southwestern Railroad: Map, Roster & More
The Georgia Southwestern Railroad (GSWR) is a large shortline that dates back to 1989 and is now part of Genesee & Wyoming. Read about how it began and its current locomotive roster.
Continue reading "Georgia Southwestern Railroad: Map, Roster & More"
Jul 09, 2020
Narrow Gauge Railroads In America: History, Photos & More
In this article, we look at narrow gauge railroads, which sprang up in the United States during the 1870's. Most were abandoned by the early 20th century.
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Jul 08, 2020
Wisconsin & Southern Railroad: Map, Roster, Photos
The Wisconsin & Southern today operates more than 700 miles of track as a Class II, regional serving the southern area of the state.
Continue reading "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad: Map, Roster, Photos"
Jul 08, 2020
The "North Shore Line" Railroad: Map, Timetable, Photos
The Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee was another of Chicago's well remembered interurbans.
Continue reading "The "North Shore Line" Railroad: Map, Timetable, Photos"
Jul 08, 2020
Georgia Northeastern Railroad: Map, Roster & More
The Georgia Northeastern Railroad is a short line that began service in 1987 over former CSX branch lines. It is privately owned and hosts the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Continue reading "Georgia Northeastern Railroad: Map, Roster & More"
Jul 07, 2020
2-10-4 "Texas" Type Steam Locomotives: Photos & Data
A late design,the powerful 2-10-4 Texas first saw use on the Texas & Pacific in 1925. Several roads used the 2-10-4 in freight service until the 1950's.
Continue reading "2-10-4 "Texas" Type Steam Locomotives: Photos & Data"
Jul 06, 2020
South Carolina Central Railroad Company: Roster, Map
The South Carolina Central Railroad (SCRF) is a Genesee & Wyoming property that dates to 1987 when CSX sold several miles of branches around Florence.
Continue reading "South Carolina Central Railroad Company: Roster, Map"
Jul 04, 2020
Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309: Restoration & More
Chesapeake & Ohio #1309 is a 2-6-6-2 compound Mallet built by Baldwin in 1949 for coal service. It is slated for restoration and operation.
Continue reading "Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309: Restoration & More"
Jul 04, 2020
Sierra Madre Express (Train): "The Copper Canyon Route"
The Sierra Madre Express was a tourist train providing long distance rides through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon. Service ended in 2009.
Continue reading "Sierra Madre Express (Train): "The Copper Canyon Route""
Jul 02, 2020
Columbus & Greenville Railroad: Map, Locomotive Roster
The Columbus & Greenville Railway is a line that dates back to the late 19th century. Today, part of the route remains in regular service as a shortline.
Continue reading "Columbus & Greenville Railroad: Map, Locomotive Roster"
Jun 30, 2020
Bay Line Railroad (FL): Map, Roster, Photos & More
The Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay, now known as the Bay Line Railroad, is a historic short line based in southern Alabama and northern Florida.
Continue reading "Bay Line Railroad (FL): Map, Roster, Photos & More"
Jun 28, 2020
East Broad Top Railroad: Map, Roster, Locomotives & More
The East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Company is a historic narrow-gauge coal-hauler dating to 1856 located in Pennsylvania.
Continue reading "East Broad Top Railroad: Map, Roster, Locomotives & More"
Jun 27, 2020
Southern Pacific "Cab Forward" Steam Locomotives: Roster
The Cab Forwards were unique, odd, and extremely powerful steam locomotives that enabled crews to safely operate through the Sierras.
Continue reading "Southern Pacific "Cab Forward" Steam Locomotives: Roster"
Jun 26, 2020
The "Chepe Express" (Train): Route, Map & Information
The Chepe Express is a new first class train ride launched in 2018 which travels through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon. Learn more about it here.
Continue reading "The "Chepe Express" (Train): Route, Map & Information"
Jun 24, 2020
Apalachicola Northern Railroad: Map, Roster, Photos & More
The Apalachicola Northern Railroad, also known as the Port St. Joe Route, has been located in the Florida Panhandle since 1903. Today, it is owned by Genesee & Wyoming.
Continue reading "Apalachicola Northern Railroad: Map, Roster, Photos & More"
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Researching Rights-Of-Way
A popular pastime for many is studying and/or exploring abandoned rights-of-way. Today, there are tens of thousands of miles scattered throughout the country. Many were pulled up in the 1970's and 1980's although others were removed long before that. If you are researching active or abandoned corridors you might want to check out the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Historical Topographic Map Explorer. It is an excellent resource with thousands of historic maps on file throughout the country. Just type in a town or city and click on the timeline of maps at the bottom of the page!
Studying Diesels
You will be hard pressed at finding a better online resource regarding diesel locomotives than Craig Rutherford's TheDieselShop.us. The website contains everything from historic (fallen flags) to contemporary (Class I's, regionals, short lines, and even some museums/tourist lines) rosters, locomotive production information, technical data, all notable models cataloged by the five major builders (American Locomotive, Electro-Motive, General Electric, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin), and much more. A highly recommended database!
Electro-Motive Database
In 1998 a gentleman by the name of Andre Kristopans put together a web page highlighting virtually every unit every out-shopped by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division. Alas, in 2013 the site closed by thankfully Don Strack rescued the data and transferred it over to his UtahRails.net site (another fine resource). If you are researching anything EMD related please visit this page first. The information includes original numbers, serials, and order numbers.
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