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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.

Feb 15, 2025

The Pleasure Dome: Accentuating The Super Chief

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The Pleasure Dome was Santa Fe's version of the dome car, joining the Super Chief in 1951. Six were ultimately built by Pullman-Standard.

Continue reading "The Pleasure Dome: Accentuating The Super Chief"

Feb 15, 2025

Toledo & Ohio Central Railway: A Future NYC Subsidiary

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The Toledo & Ohio Central was a notable Ohio system that served western parts of Ohio and also reached into West Virginia via a subsidary. It was acquired by the NYC in 1928.

Continue reading "Toledo & Ohio Central Railway: A Future NYC Subsidiary"

Feb 15, 2025

Grand Trunk Railway: Connecting Canada And The U.S.

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The Grand Trunk Railway was a major Canadian/U.S. system that connected Ontario, Quebec, and northern U.S. states. It was acquired by Canadian National inj 1923

Continue reading "Grand Trunk Railway: Connecting Canada And The U.S."

Feb 14, 2025

New York & New England Railroad: New Haven's Prinicipal Subsidiary

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The New York & New England Railroad was an early New England system with a heritage dating back to 1846. It was formed through many smaller lines and became an important component of the New Haven.

Continue reading "New York & New England Railroad: New Haven's Prinicipal Subsidiary"

Feb 14, 2025

Great Bend Tunnel: A Historical and Cultural Landmark

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Great Bend Tunnel is noteworthy as being the longest completed on the Chesapeake & Ohio and the bore the fabled John Henry helped completed.

Continue reading "Great Bend Tunnel: A Historical and Cultural Landmark"

Feb 14, 2025

Kanawha River Railroad: Maintaining The WV Secondary

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The Kanawha River Railroad, a Watco property, is a 359-mile regional that leases NS's West Virginia Secondary in Ohio and West Virginia, as well as the ex-Virginian.

Continue reading "Kanawha River Railroad: Maintaining The WV Secondary"

Feb 13, 2025

Virginia Scenic Railway: Through The Heart Of The Blue Ridge!

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Virginia Scenic Railway

Continue reading "Virginia Scenic Railway: Through The Heart Of The Blue Ridge!"

Feb 13, 2025

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum: Preserving Alabama’s Rail Heritage

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The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has been maintaining Alabama's rail history since 1962. Today, they also host excursions on nearly 6 miles of track.

Continue reading "Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum: Preserving Alabama’s Rail Heritage"

Feb 13, 2025

Colorado Railroad Museum: A Nod To Rail History Since 1959

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The Colorado Railroad Museum has preserved the state's rich rail heritage, especially in regards to the narrow-gauge and mining operations, since 1959.

Continue reading "Colorado Railroad Museum: A Nod To Rail History Since 1959"

Feb 12, 2025

Alabama Scenic Train Rides: A Complete Guide

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There are currently just a few train rides in Alabama to choose from. Learn more about them within this guide, as well as the state's railroad museums.

Continue reading "Alabama Scenic Train Rides: A Complete Guide"

Feb 12, 2025

North Alabama Railroad Museum, Preserving Local Rail History

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The North Alabama Railroad Museum is one of the state's largest focused on preserving the region's rail history. They also offer train rides.

Continue reading "North Alabama Railroad Museum, Preserving Local Rail History"

Feb 12, 2025

Northern Railroad (NH): A Future B&M Subsidiary

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The Northern Railroad was a small, 19th century system that connected Concord and White River Junction. It was acquired by the Boston & Maine in 1889.

Continue reading "Northern Railroad (NH): A Future B&M Subsidiary "

Feb 12, 2025

Fitchburg Railroad: "The Hoosac Tunnel Route"

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The Fitchburg Railroad dated back to 1840 and eventually opend a western extension to eastern New York. It opened the Hoosac Tunnel and became an important B&M subsidiary.

Continue reading "Fitchburg Railroad: "The Hoosac Tunnel Route""

Feb 12, 2025

Boston & Lowell Railroad: A Notable B&M Predecessor

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The Boston & Lowell was one of New England's earliest systems, formed in 1835. A longtime Boston & Maine rival it was later acquired by the B&M in 1887.

Continue reading "Boston & Lowell Railroad: A Notable B&M Predecessor"

Feb 12, 2025

Coal & Coke Railway: Serving The Heart Of WV

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The Coal and Coke Railway was incorporated in 1902 and served the heart of West Virginia connecting Elkins with Charleston. It was acquired by the B&O in 1916.

Continue reading "Coal & Coke Railway: Serving The Heart Of WV"

Feb 11, 2025

North Station: Boston's Elegant Terminal

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North Station was one of two notable passenger terminals serving Boston with the other being South Station. It opened by the B&M in 1894 and was demolished in 1926. The site still serves trains today.

Continue reading "North Station: Boston's Elegant Terminal"

Feb 11, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides: A Complete Guide

This guide includes

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides: A Complete Guide"

Feb 10, 2025

Ohio & Mississippi Railway: B&O's St. Louis Link

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The Ohio & Mississippi Railway was an early, mid-19th century system that connected Cincinnati and St. Louis. It was acquired by the Baltimore & Ohio in 1893.

Continue reading "Ohio & Mississippi Railway: B&O's St. Louis Link"

Feb 09, 2025

Terminal Station: Atlanta's Gateway to the South

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Terminal Station was Atlanta's elegant passenger terminal that served four major railroads from its 1905 opening until it was demolished in 1970.

Continue reading "Terminal Station: Atlanta's Gateway to the South"

Feb 09, 2025

Englewood Union Station: Chicago's Once Bustling Terminal

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Englewood Union Station was once a very busy Chicago facility serving both passengers and commuters. It closed in 1978.

Continue reading "Englewood Union Station: Chicago's Once Bustling Terminal"

Feb 09, 2025

The Sun Lounge: A Unique Solarium Railcar

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The Sun Lounge was a unique solarium railcar developed for the Seaboard Air Line in 1956. It provided a dome-like experience without the raised section due to clearance restrictions.

Continue reading "The Sun Lounge: A Unique Solarium Railcar"

Feb 08, 2025

Waterbury Union Station: An Historical Tapestry

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Waterbury Union Station is the city's historic train station that originally opened in 1909. It is best known for its massive 240-foot clock tower.

Continue reading "Waterbury Union Station: An Historical Tapestry"

Feb 08, 2025

Louisville Union Station: A Rich Legacy

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Louisville Union Station is the city's historic passenger terminal serving the Louisville & Nashville, Monon, and PRR. Today, it serves as offices for Transit Authority of River City.

Continue reading "Louisville Union Station: A Rich Legacy"

Feb 08, 2025

Strata-Domes: The B&O Introduces Domes In The East

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The Strata-Domes were the first dome cars employed by an eastern railroad when the went into service on the Baltimore & Ohio in 1949. Today, four are preserved.

Continue reading "Strata-Domes: The B&O Introduces Domes In The East"

Feb 08, 2025

Portland Union Station (Maine): Serving Northern New England

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Portland Union Station was the city's prominent passenger terminal serving the Boston & Maine and Maine Central from 1880-1960. It was demolished in 1961.

Continue reading "Portland Union Station (Maine): Serving Northern New England"

Feb 07, 2025

Baltimore Penn Station: PRR's Historic Terminal

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Baltimore Penn Station, formerly Union Station, is a former PRR facility that opened in 1911 and remains in use under Amtrak today.

Continue reading "Baltimore Penn Station: PRR's Historic Terminal"

Feb 07, 2025

The Super Domes: Enhancing The "Olympian Hiawatha"

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The Super Domes included a group of ten full length dome cars manufactured by Pullman-Standard for

Continue reading "The Super Domes: Enhancing The "Olympian Hiawatha""

Feb 07, 2025

The Vista-Dome: A Jewel Of Mid-Century Rail Travel

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The Vista-Dome kicked off the modern dome car movement, introduced in 1945. The car could often be found on the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and CB&Q. Today, several are preserved.

Continue reading "The Vista-Dome: A Jewel Of Mid-Century Rail Travel"

Feb 06, 2025

Dome Car (Trains): Offering Unparalleled Views

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Dome cars were one of the final specialized car types to be developed and really helped sell many streamliners like the Empire Builder and California Zephyr. They still draw appeal today for riders.

Continue reading "Dome Car (Trains): Offering Unparalleled Views"

Feb 06, 2025

Joliet Union Station: Hosting Trains Since 1912

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Joliet Union Station is located at a major junction point in Illinois and has served passenger trains since 1912. Even today, Amtrak still serves the facility.

Continue reading "Joliet Union Station: Hosting Trains Since 1912"

Feb 06, 2025

Great Domes: GN's Grand Railcars

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The Great Domes were Great Northern's elegant passenger cars built between 1953-1955 by the Budd Company for the "Empire Builder."

Continue reading "Great Domes: GN's Grand Railcars"

Feb 05, 2025

Portland Union Station: An Historical Beacon of the Pacific Northwest

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Portland Union Station is a beautifully preserved rail terminal that has served the Pacific Northwester since 1896. Amtrak still serves the facility today.

Continue reading "Portland Union Station: An Historical Beacon of the Pacific Northwest"

Feb 05, 2025

17-Mile Grade: B&O Tackles The Alleghenies

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The Baltimore & Ohio's 17-Mile Grade was one of its major mountain crossings along its West End, located roughly 26 miles southwest of Cumberland. It remains in use under CSX.

Continue reading "17-Mile Grade: B&O Tackles The Alleghenies"

Feb 05, 2025

Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad: Frought with Financial Issues

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The Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis was an early, 251-mile system that linked Peoria and St. Louis. It was sold at foreclosure in 1924.

Continue reading "Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad: Frought with Financial Issues"

Feb 04, 2025

Springfield Union Station (Illinois): An 1898 Masterpiece

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The Springfield Union Station of Illinois is an architectural masterpiece that served the city from 1898-1971. Today it is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Continue reading "Springfield Union Station (Illinois): An 1898 Masterpiece"

Feb 04, 2025

Springfield Union Station: A Tapestry of History and Modernity

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The latest Springfield Union Station opened in 1926 by the Boston & Albany but also served by the Boston & Maine and New Haven. Amtrak still serves the facility today.

Continue reading "Springfield Union Station: A Tapestry of History and Modernity"

Feb 04, 2025

McKeen Motor Car Company: Early Rail Travel Innovation

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The McKeen Motor Car Company was an early builder of early self-propelled railcars with a unique streamlined designed. 152 examples were ultimately built.

Continue reading "McKeen Motor Car Company: Early Rail Travel Innovation"

Feb 03, 2025

Southern No. 1401: Elegance At The Smithsonian

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Southern Railway #1401 is a 4-6-2 type steam locomotive on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Continue reading "Southern No. 1401: Elegance At The Smithsonian"

Feb 03, 2025

Texas Electric Railway: The South's Largest Interurban

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The Texas Electric Railway was the largest interurban in the South, operating 200 miles bewteen Dallas, Dennison, Waco, and Corsicana. Service ended in 1948.

Continue reading "Texas Electric Railway: The South's Largest Interurban"

Feb 03, 2025

Indianapolis Union Station: Since 1853

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Indianapolis Union Station is one of the oldest such facilities in the nation, with a history dating back to 1853. Today, it still hosts Amtrak trains.

Continue reading "Indianapolis Union Station: Since 1853"

Feb 03, 2025

Southern Railway, "Serves The South" (USA)

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The Southern Railway was formed through a combination of smaller lines in 1894. In 1982 it helped create today's Norfolk Southern.

Continue reading "Southern Railway, "Serves The South" (USA)"

Feb 02, 2025

American Car & Foundry: Major Railcar Builder

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The American Car & Foundry Company was a major railcar builder that manufactured freight cars, passenger cars, and even streetcars. The name survived until 2019.

Continue reading "American Car & Foundry: Major Railcar Builder"

Feb 02, 2025

S.S. Chief Wawatam: Serving The Straits (1911-1984)

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The S.S. Chief Wawatam was an iconic, long-running coal-fired car ferry serving the Straits of Mackinac between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace from 1911-1984.

Continue reading "S.S. Chief Wawatam: Serving The Straits (1911-1984)"

Feb 02, 2025

S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan's Legendary Car Ferry

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The S.S. Badger is Lake Michigan's long-running car ferry. What began transporting freight cars for the Chesapeake & Ohio is today a National Historic Landmark.

Continue reading "S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan's Legendary Car Ferry"

Feb 01, 2025

Detroit and Mackinac Railway: "The Turtle Line"

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The Detroit & Mackinac Railway, better known as "The Turtle Line," served northern Michigan for over a century.

Continue reading "Detroit and Mackinac Railway: "The Turtle Line""

Feb 01, 2025

Car Ferries: A Once Common Railroad Practice

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Car ferries were once found in service throughout the U.S., most often traversing bays, harbors, or the Great Lakes. Due to rising costs most were retired by the 1970s.

Continue reading "Car Ferries: A Once Common Railroad Practice"

Feb 01, 2025

Savannah Union Station: The City's Elegant Terminal

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Savannah Union Station was the city's opulent rail terminal that served multiple railroads from 1902 until 1962.

Continue reading "Savannah Union Station: The City's Elegant Terminal"

Feb 01, 2025

Great East Thompson Train Wreck (1891)

The Great East Thompson Train Wreck of 1891 was one of the worst such disasters in American history and one of only two involving four trains.

Continue reading "Great East Thompson Train Wreck (1891)"

Jan 31, 2025

The Parlor Car: Providing First-Class Service

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The parlor car was an early first-class passenger car that appeared in the mid-19th century. They became more widespread during the 20th century but declined after World War II.

Continue reading "The Parlor Car: Providing First-Class Service"

Recent Articles

  1. The Pleasure Dome: Accentuating The Super Chief

    Feb 15, 25 12:34 AM

    91241827462145230268937.jpg
    The Pleasure Dome was Santa Fe's version of the dome car, joining the Super Chief in 1951. Six were ultimately built by Pullman-Standard.

    Read More

  2. Toledo & Ohio Central Railway: A Future NYC Subsidiary

    Feb 15, 25 12:24 AM

    981283412747346259826056.jpg
    The Toledo & Ohio Central was a notable Ohio system that served western parts of Ohio and also reached into West Virginia via a subsidary. It was acquired by the NYC in 1928.

    Read More

  3. Grand Trunk Railway: Connecting Canada And The U.S.

    Feb 15, 25 12:17 AM

    8872716353247815286928989879.jpg
    The Grand Trunk Railway was a major Canadian/U.S. system that connected Ontario, Quebec, and northern U.S. states. It was acquired by Canadian National inj 1923

    Read More