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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.

Mar 25, 2025

Michigan Pumpkin Trains (2025): A Complete Guide

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Discover where you can find pumpkin themed train rides in Michigan with this guide!

Continue reading "Michigan Pumpkin Trains (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 25, 2025

C&O's 4-6-4 "Hudson" Locomotives (Class L): Specs, Roster, History

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Chesapeake & Ohio's 4-6-4s included a small batch of Hudsons it put into service during the 1940s. One streamlined example, #490, survives today.

Continue reading "C&O's 4-6-4 "Hudson" Locomotives (Class L): Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 25, 2025

C&O's M-1 Steam Turbine Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

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The Class M-1 steam turbines was a new technology the Chesapeake & Ohio envisioned to power its new "Chessie" streamliner. The locomotive proved unsuccessful.

Continue reading "C&O's M-1 Steam Turbine Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 25, 2025

Rio Grande 2-8-8-2 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

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The 2-8-8-2 was a heavy Mallet type used extensively on the Rio Grande in heavy drag service from 1913 through the end of steam.

Continue reading "Rio Grande 2-8-8-2 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 25, 2025

Pumpkin Trains In Pennsylvania (2025): A Complete Guide

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Enjoy a scenic train ride while traveling out to the pumpkin patch for the kids to pick out a pumpkin to carve. Learn where these trips are offered in PA!

Continue reading "Pumpkin Trains In Pennsylvania (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 24, 2025

Illinois Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Pumpkin trains are a popular family activity where kids can ride out to the pumpkin patch and pick out their favorie gourd for carving. Learn more about where these are held in Illinois.

Continue reading "Illinois Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 24, 2025

New York Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Discover which heritage railroads and museums in New York are hosting pumpkin trains for the Halloween season!

Continue reading "New York Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 23, 2025

WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History

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Western Maryland's 4-6-6-4's were a dozen fast freight Challengers built by Baldwin in 1940-1941. The railroad's feelings on the engines were mixed and the group was scrapped in the mid-1950s.

Continue reading "WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 23, 2025

D&H 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (Class J): Specs, Roster, History

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The Delaware & Hudson's fleet of forty 4-6-6-4s acquired from Alco in 1940. These steamers operated fast-freights along the D&H system and were fine machines.

Continue reading "D&H 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (Class J): Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 23, 2025

4-6-6-4 "Challenger" Locomotives: Photos, History, Survivors

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The 4-6-6-4 Challenger was a late model steam locomotive which was incredibly powerful.

Continue reading "4-6-6-4 "Challenger" Locomotives: Photos, History, Survivors"

Mar 23, 2025

B&O 2-8-8-4 (EM-1) Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos

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Baltimore & Ohio's 2-8-8-4's, the EM-1's, were the largest, most powerful, and newest steam locomotives the railroad ever owned. Sadly, none survive.

Continue reading "B&O 2-8-8-4 (EM-1) Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos"

Mar 23, 2025

Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Pumpkin train rides have become a popular family tradition where museums and heritage railroads host themed trips for the kids to ride out and pick out a pumpkin to carve. Learn about where these are held throughout the U.S.

Continue reading "Pumpkin Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 23, 2025

Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2025)

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Celebrate dad by train! Several heritage railroads and museums host trips honoring dads. Learn more about which locations offer such excursions.

Continue reading "Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2025)"

Mar 22, 2025

B&O 2-8-8-0 Locomotives (Class EL): Specs, Roster, History

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Baltimore & Ohio's Class EL was a large fleet of 2-8-8-0's it acquired for heavy drag service along the West End.

Continue reading "B&O 2-8-8-0 Locomotives (Class EL): Specs, Roster, History"

Mar 22, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Iowa (2025): A Complete Guide

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The moms out there can enjoy Mother's Day weekend by train at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad which hosts a special brunch train in their honor.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Iowa (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 22, 2025

Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In Illinois (2025)

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Learn more about Minnesota's current passenger rail options, ranging from Amtrak to the Twin Cities' light rail service.

Continue reading "Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In Illinois (2025)"

Mar 21, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Michigan (2025): A Complete Guide

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For the Mother's Day Weekend, there is one location in Michigan hosting a official themed train ride, the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso. Learn more about this event here.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Michigan (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 19, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Colorado (2025): A Complete Guide

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Within Colorado there is one location hosting a train ride celebrating mom, the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Colorado (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 19, 2025

Southern Pacific Steam Roster: Post 1900

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The Southern Pacific operated a large and electic collection of steam locomotives, from handed-down narrow-gauge 2-8-0s to powerful 2-8-8-4s and the unique Cab Forwards.

Continue reading "Southern Pacific Steam Roster: Post 1900"

Mar 19, 2025

Rock Island Steam Roster: Post 1900

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The Rock Island generally operated only mid-powered steam locomotives for most assignments due to its Midwestern profile and light bridges. This roster highlights its fleet post-1903.

Continue reading "Rock Island Steam Roster: Post 1900"

Mar 19, 2025

Rock Island Diesel Roser: All-Time

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Discover the Rock Island's all-time diesel roster here, which included a mix of models from all major builders, as well as rebuilds.

Continue reading "Rock Island Diesel Roser: All-Time"

Mar 19, 2025

Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In California (2025)

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This guide highlights the current passenger train services available throughout the state of California.

Continue reading "Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In California (2025)"

Mar 19, 2025

Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In Texas (2025)

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The information here highlights current passenger, commuter, and light rail trains serving Texas.

Continue reading "Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In Texas (2025)"

Mar 18, 2025

Illinois Central Steam Roster: Post-1900

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The Illinois Central predominantly relied on mid-powered wheel arrangements to lead its freight and passenger trains. A rebuild program during the 1930s saw no new engines purchased after 1929.

Continue reading "Illinois Central Steam Roster: Post-1900"

Mar 18, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In California (2025): A Complete Guide

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California enjoys numerous heritage railroads and museums preserving that state's rich history trains. A few of these even host rides celebrating mom every Mother's Day.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In California (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 18, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Illinois (2025): A Complete Guide

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There is one place in Illinois hosting train rides celebrating mom, the Monticello Railway Museum. Learn more about this event!

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Illinois (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 18, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Texas (2025): A Complete Guide

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Discover which heritage railroads in Texas offered train rides celebrating mom each spring!

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Texas (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 18, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In New York (2025): A Complete Guide

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Spend the day with Mom at one of several heritage railroads in New York hosting Mother's Day themed train rides.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In New York (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 17, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Pennsylvania (2025): A Complete Guide

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Mother's Day

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Pennsylvania (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 16, 2025

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) Diesel Roster: All-Time List

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This information provides an all-time list of the Pennsylvania Railroad's many diesel locomotives, including types and road numbers.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) Diesel Roster: All-Time List"

Mar 16, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides In Alabama (2025): A Complete Guide

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A unique experience now available during Mother's Day is treating Mom to a train ride. In Alabama this experience is available at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides In Alabama (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 16, 2025

Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Steam Roster: Post-1900

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The C&O maintained some of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives put into service. This roster highlights the fleet in the post-1900 era.

Continue reading "Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Steam Roster: Post-1900"

Mar 16, 2025

Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Diesel Roster: All-Time

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The Chesapeake & Ohio operated diesels from every major builder, except Fairbanks-Morse, although largely stuck with Electro-Motive products.

Continue reading "Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Diesel Roster: All-Time"

Mar 15, 2025

Nevada Scenic Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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There are three very nice Nevada train rides to experience today including the Virginia and Truckee, Nevada Northern, and Nevada Southern.

Continue reading "Nevada Scenic Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 15, 2025

Mother's Day Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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A relatively recent themed train ride experience at various museums and heritage railroads are trips celebrating moms during Mother's Day. Learn more about these locations here.

Continue reading "Mother's Day Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 15, 2025

Oregon Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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You can experience the official "Polar Express" event in Oregon at the Mt. Hood Railroad, one of the nation's most upscale scenic trains.

Continue reading "Oregon Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 15, 2025

Louisiana Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Surprisingly, in recent years one location in Louisiana began hosting official "The Polar Express" train rides, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Learn more about this trip here.

Continue reading "Louisiana Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 15, 2025

Washington Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Washington

Continue reading "Washington Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 14, 2025

New York Central (NYC) Diesel Roster: All-Time

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This page provides a complete, all-time diesel roster of the New York Central including original numbers, renumberings, and NYC classes.

Continue reading "New York Central (NYC) Diesel Roster: All-Time"

Mar 14, 2025

New York Central Steam Roster: Post-1900

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This steam locomotive roster includes New York Central's modern fleet in the post-1900 era.

Continue reading "New York Central Steam Roster: Post-1900"

Mar 14, 2025

Texas Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Texas is currently home to two different locations hosting official "The Polar Express" events, the Texas State Railroad and Galveston Railroad Museum.

Continue reading "Texas Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 14, 2025

North Carolina Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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North Carolina is one of the South's most beautiful states offering a mix of Appalachian Mountains, rolling Piedmont, and coastal plains. The Polar Express makes stops in Spencer and Bryson City.

Continue reading "North Carolina Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 14, 2025

New Jersey Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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New Jersey is rare in that the state is home to two different locations hosting official "The Polar Express" events. Learn more about these trips here.

Continue reading "New Jersey Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 13, 2025

B&O Steam Locomotive Roster (Post 1900)

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Presented here is the Baltimore & Ohio's complete steam locomotive roster after 1900.

Continue reading "B&O Steam Locomotive Roster (Post 1900)"

Mar 13, 2025

Baltimore & Ohio (B&O): Diesel Roster (All-Time)

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A complete history of the Baltimore & Ohio's diesel locomotive roster. The B&O rostered examples from every major builder.

Continue reading "Baltimore & Ohio (B&O): Diesel Roster (All-Time)"

Mar 13, 2025

Arizona Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Arizona is home to one of the finest heritage railroads in the nation, the Grand Canyon Railway. During the holiday season they host official "The Polar Express" trips.

Continue reading "Arizona Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 13, 2025

Missouri Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Missouri is home to one of the nation's most popular excursion trains, the Branson Scenic Railway, which hosts official "The Polar Express" trips each holiday season.

Continue reading "Missouri Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 13, 2025

Colorado Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Colorado is home to two official "The Polar Express" events, including the popular Durango & Silverton.

Continue reading "Colorado Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Mar 13, 2025

Oklahoma Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide

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Oklahoma is one of just a handful of states offering official "The Polar Express" events, hosted at the Oklahoma Railway Musuem in Oklahoma City. Learn more about this attraction here!

Continue reading "Oklahoma Polar Express Train Rides (2025): A Complete Guide"

Recent Articles

  1. Michigan Pumpkin Trains (2025): A Complete Guide

    Mar 25, 25 12:38 PM

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    Discover where you can find pumpkin themed train rides in Michigan with this guide!

    Read More

  2. C&O's 4-6-4 "Hudson" Locomotives (Class L): Specs, Roster, History

    Mar 25, 25 12:36 AM

    1875iu191237998627.jpg
    Chesapeake & Ohio's 4-6-4s included a small batch of Hudsons it put into service during the 1940s. One streamlined example, #490, survives today.

    Read More

  3. C&O's M-1 Steam Turbine Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

    Mar 25, 25 12:27 AM

    5008381u5785903759038.jpg
    The Class M-1 steam turbines was a new technology the Chesapeake & Ohio envisioned to power its new "Chessie" streamliner. The locomotive proved unsuccessful.

    Read More