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 11, 2019
World War II Railroads, The 1940s
Railroads in World War II were critical to winning the conflict and were prepared unlike with the World War I crisis. Unfortunately, the historic traffic numbers declined after the war.
Jun 10, 2019
Railroad History
Interested in learning much more about out nation's railroad history as well who invented the railroad and when? You can do so here, from the earliest years in the 1820s through today.
Jun 10, 2019
Lehigh Valley Railroad
The Lehigh Valley Railroad dates as far back as 1853 and at its height connected Buffalo with eastern New Jersey. The Route of Black Diamond struggled after World War II and became part of Conrail.
May 28, 2019
The 70 Year Train Ride
"The 70 Year Train Ride," published in 2019, is authored by Frank Heppner detailing his life's adventures by rail. These trips were not exclusive to the United States as the professor has traveled around the world riding trains. A fascinating, comical, and engaging story you are sure to enjoy!
May 22, 2019
Railroad Tycoons
Railroad tycoons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the industry we still in regular service today. Read about several of them here.
May 13, 2019
Union Pacific 4014
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is the latest star in the railroad's growing collection of heritage steam locomotives. It returned to active service on May 2, 2019.
May 13, 2019
Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy
The Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" was designed by Alco and UP's Otto Jabelman to handle freight over the Wasatch Mountains. Today, several still survive.
May 11, 2019
Transcisco Tours: Sierra 49er Express
The Transcisco Tours' "Sierra 49er Express" was a short-lived dinner train running between San Jose, California and Reno, Nevada between 1990-1991.
May 10, 2019
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad's completion marked the first time in history the United States offered an efficient mode of transportation from coast-to-coast.
May 03, 2019
New River Train
The New River Train was a seasonal excursion operated nearly every fall through West Virginia's New River Gorge from 1966-2018. Learn more about it here.
May 03, 2019
Boxcars
Boxcars have been an important piece of equipment for the railroad industry since the early days of the 19th century. Today, they are used for more specialized tasks than in years past.
May 02, 2019
Dinner Train Rides 2019
Dinner train rides have become a popular excursions in recent years. Here, you can learn which railroads operate them and when these special trains run in 2019 (some year-round).
Apr 30, 2019
1930s Railroads, The Streamliner Era
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.
Apr 25, 2019
Horseshoe Curve
Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve is likely the most famous railroad engineering feat ever accomplished. Read about its history, construction, and use today by Norfolk Southern.
Apr 23, 2019
A Short Line Railroad Guide
A short line railroad guide that lists nearly all Class III railroads found throughout the country broken down by state.
Apr 23, 2019
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is North America's most popular tourist train, offering upscale accommodations through the Canadian Rockies.
Apr 15, 2019
American Orient Express
The American Orient Express was an ultra-luxurious private passenger train that operated from 1994 until 2008 in conjunction with Amtrak. It featured different routes for maximum scenic views; unfortunately, the 2007 recession forced its closure the following year.
Apr 15, 2019
John Bull Locomotive
The John Bull was a British steam locomotive built for use on the Camden & Amboy in 1831. Today, it is preserved at the Smithsonian Institution and still in operable condition.
Apr 11, 2019
United States Railroad Administration (USRA)
The United States Railroad Administration (USRA) oversaw operation of the nation's rail network during World War I. Provided here is a brief history.
Continue reading "United States Railroad Administration (USRA)"
Apr 07, 2019
Easter Train Rides, 2019 Schedule And Dates
Provided here is a list of museums and tourist railroads that offer Easter train rides, including schedules and dates in 2019.
Continue reading "Easter Train Rides, 2019 Schedule And Dates"
Apr 05, 2019
Empire Builder
The Empire Builder was Great Northern's flagship train between Chicago and Seattle that began service in 1929. It survives today under Amtrak.
Apr 01, 2019
Railroads In The 1910s
Railroads during the 1910s, the period from 1910-1920, was a pivotal time witnessing record mileage and federal takeover during World War I.
Mar 31, 2019
Chepe Express
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.
Mar 30, 2019
Railroads In World War I
Railroads in World War I were nationalized by the federal government in 1917 to maintain fluid operations. They were returned to private ownership in 1920.
Mar 25, 2019
Railroads In The 20th Century, The 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 of the industry.
Mar 25, 2019
Sierra Madre Express
The Sierra Madre Express was a tourist train providing long distance rides through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon. Service ended in 2009.
Mar 23, 2019
Rail Tours
Find out more about rail tours found across the United States, Canada, and into parts of Mexico. The information presented specifically highlights long-distance trips geared towards vacation travelers.
Mar 13, 2019
Wabtec Freight
Wabtec Freight was formed on February 25, 2019 through the merger of GE Transportation and Wabtec. The company will produce GE's successful locomotive line.
Mar 12, 2019
Locomotives
What are locomotives? In this article we explore that question as well as the various types, their history, and purpose in general railroad applications. In essence, the locomotive powers a train.
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