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 18, 2022
"Butte Special" (Train)
The Butte Special was a secondary Union Pacific train serving Salt Lake City and Butte, Montana. Incredibly, it survived on the railroad's timetable until Amtrak began on May 1, 1971.
Aug 18, 2022
EMD "567" Engine
The Electro-Motive's model 567 diesel engine first released in 1938 was not only highly reliable but also spelled the end of steam as main line power.
Aug 18, 2022
EMD "F40PH" Locomotives
The F40PH was a late F series model built exclusively for Amtrak in the late 1970s. It was very successful with more than 300 constructed.
Aug 18, 2022
Nickel Plate Road (New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad)
The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, better known as the "Nickel Plate Road," was a profitable Midwestern acquired by Norfolk & Western in 1964.
Continue reading "Nickel Plate Road (New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad)"
Aug 18, 2022
Illinois Central Railroad
The Illinois Central whose slogan was the "Main Line of Mid-America" ran from Chicago to New Orleans on an odd north-south main line.
Aug 18, 2022
Illinois Railroads
Perhaps more than any other state Illinois railroads include a history like any other. Read about all of the dozens of lines to operate there and what things look like today.
Aug 18, 2022
Colorado Scenic Train Rides
Colorado has a rich history with railroads related to its legendary mining trade. As such, there are several heritage excursions and museums found there today. Learn more about Colorado train rides and railroad museums here.
Aug 18, 2022
2-6-0 "Mogul" Steam Locomotives
Moguls, of the 2-6-0 wheel arrangement, replaced the popular 4-4-0. Today, you can still find a few examples in operation for use with excursion trains.
Aug 18, 2022
PRR K-4s Steam Locomotives
Pennsylvania's K-4s Pacific's were some of the finest locomotives of their type ever built, many by the railroad itself. Two of these 4-6-2's survive today.
Aug 18, 2022
B&O 4-8-2 Locomotives (Class T)
Baltimore & Ohio's fleet of 4-8-2's (Class T) were used in heavy passenger service and occasionally on freight assignments.
Aug 18, 2022
Mississippi Railroads
The history of Mississippi railroads can be traced back to the West Feliciana Railroad of 1835. Learn more about the classic lines, interurbans, and present-day railroads that still operate.
Aug 18, 2022
Norfolk and Western Railway
The Norfolk & Western was a highly profitable eastern coal-hauler that connected Norfolk with Cincinnati. It disappeared into Norfolk Southern in 1982.
Aug 18, 2022
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The incredibly popular Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge operates tourist trains along ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western trackage through the San Juan Mountains.
Continue reading "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad"
Aug 17, 2022
Railroad Stories and Accounts
Railroad stories are what bring to the light the personal and human side of the industry often unknown to outsiders.
Aug 17, 2022
State Railroads: Information And Statistics
A history of the states and their relationship with railroad operations over the centures.
Continue reading "State Railroads: Information And Statistics"
Aug 17, 2022
Caboose (Trains)
The venerable caboose is still quite popular with the public despite its relic status with the railroad industry. Learn about the history of the car, how it was used, and its different names.
Aug 17, 2022
Interurbans And Trolleys (Trains)
A look at interurbans and trolleys in America from state operations to notable car builders and specific companies like the North Shore Line and Pacific Electric.
Aug 17, 2022
Scenic Train Rides (USA)
Whether you are interested in scenic railroad or tourist train rides, all of that can be found here! The information here covers a wide range of subjects, from different scenic railroads to state-by-state guides.
Aug 17, 2022
Commuter Trains (USA)
Here you can learn more about many of the commuter trains and agencies that operate around the country, from Metra to Caltrain.
Aug 17, 2022
"Yankee Clipper" (Train)
The Yankee Clipper was an upscale New Haven passenger train that ran the Shore Line between New York and Boston. A section survived until Amtrak.
Aug 17, 2022
Rail Tours (USA): Coast-To-Coast
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.
Aug 17, 2022
EMD "SW1200" Locomotives
The SW1200 was a late first-generation switcher that was produced for more than ten years and proved one of EMD's most successful.
Aug 17, 2022
Railroad Infrastructure (USA)
Were you ever curious about the many types of railroad structures and signs that line railroad tracks? Learn about them here.
Aug 17, 2022
Railroad Maintenance-Of-Way Equipment
There are numerous types of railroad maintenance equipment which keep railroads operating efficiently. You can learn about most of them here.
Aug 17, 2022
Santa Fe Railroad (Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe)
A detailed history of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, better known as the "Santa Fe."
Continue reading "Santa Fe Railroad (Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe)"
Aug 17, 2022
Class 2 Railroads (USA), "Regionals"
Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines.
Aug 17, 2022
Passenger Train Cars (America)
Covered here are brief overviews of many types of passenger rail cars and what led to their development as train travel improved over time.
Aug 17, 2022
Electric Locomotives (USA)
While electric locomotives never truly caught on in America they are by far the most efficient type of motive power.
Aug 17, 2022
GE "U28C" and "U28CG" Locomotives
The U28C succeeded the U25C in 1965. Just a few railroads tried the model with most more interested in EMD and four-axle designs at the time.
Aug 16, 2022
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O)
The Baltimore & Ohio, our nation's first common-carrier was one of the three major eastern trunk lines but also the weakest.
Aug 16, 2022
Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad
The Detroit, Toledo & Ironton was a regional railroad serving western Ohio and Detroit. What's left today is operated by a short line.
Aug 16, 2022
Railroad Stations Of America
This page offers a general history of railroad stations and depots, such as the iconic Pennsylvania Station.
Aug 16, 2022
2-10-0 "Decapod" Locomotives
The 2-10-0 Decapod was developed by the Lehigh Valley although constant design problems resulted in few railroads fleeting the steam locomotive.
Aug 16, 2022
Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad
The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern was once a large Class II regional serving the upper Midwest over former C&NW lines.
Aug 16, 2022
Detroit and Mackinac Railway
The Detroit & Mackinac Railway, better known as "The Turtle Line," served northern Michigan for over a century.
Aug 16, 2022
South Shore Line Railroad (Chicago, South Shore & South Bend)
The South Shore Line, officially known as the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend Railroad, was another famed Windy City interurban, and the most successful.
Continue reading "South Shore Line Railroad (Chicago, South Shore & South Bend)"
Aug 16, 2022
GE "U25C" Locomotives
The U25C was the six-axle version of the popular U25B. Cataloged some five years later it saw few sales.
Aug 16, 2022
Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad
The Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway was a classic, but very small, line that operated in central Illinois.
Aug 16, 2022
Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad
The "Roarin' Elgin" was a high-speed interurban connecting Chicago with the Fox River communities. Today, much of the Roarin' Elgin is abandoned.
Aug 16, 2022
Steam Locomotives (USA)
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today.
Aug 16, 2022
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern was the West's first mega-railroad when it was formed in 1970 serving such cities as Chicago, Seattle, and Dallas.
Aug 15, 2022
Algoma Central Railway
Read about the history of the Algoma Central Railway and one of Ontario's most well known shortlines.
Aug 15, 2022
West Point Route (Railroad)
The West Point Route was a trademarked name comprising the Atlanta & West Point and Western Railway of Alabama, which were controlled by the Georgia Railroad.
Aug 15, 2022
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway
The Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia was a bridge route that served all of its namesake states. It dated to the 1890s and was purchased by the Southern in 1971.
Aug 15, 2022
Rock Island Railroad (Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific)
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific was a fabled Midwestern granger that struggled after the 1960's. A botched merger and strike led to its liquidation in 1980.
Continue reading "Rock Island Railroad (Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific)"
Aug 15, 2022
Tennessee Central Railway
The Tennessee Central Railway was a small Class I system serving northern areas of its home state as well as southern Kentucky. It was liquidated in 1968.
Aug 15, 2022
Wyoming Scenic Train Rides
Wyoming train rides are currently not available, whether as tourist attractions or interstate travel (Amtrak). However, the Cowboy State does have a few railroad museums open to the public. Learn more about them here.
Aug 15, 2022
Wisconsin Scenic Train Rides
Wisconsin train rides include a varying degree of excursions from trolleys to steam locomotives and even dinner trains aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad.
Recent Articles
-
"Butte Special" (Train)
Aug 18, 22 12:17 PM
The Butte Special was a secondary Union Pacific train serving Salt Lake City and Butte, Montana. Incredibly, it survived on the railroad's timetable until Amtrak began on May 1, 1971. -
EMD "567" Engine
Aug 18, 22 10:01 AM
The Electro-Motive's model 567 diesel engine first released in 1938 was not only highly reliable but also spelled the end of steam as main line power. -
EMD "F40PH" Locomotives
Aug 18, 22 09:55 AM
The F40PH was a late F series model built exclusively for Amtrak in the late 1970s. It was very successful with more than 300 constructed. -
Nickel Plate Road (New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad)
Aug 18, 22 09:53 AM
The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, better known as the "Nickel Plate Road," was a profitable Midwestern acquired by Norfolk & Western in 1964. -
Illinois Central Railroad
Aug 18, 22 09:50 AM
The Illinois Central whose slogan was the "Main Line of Mid-America" ran from Chicago to New Orleans on an odd north-south main line.
SteamLocomotive.com
Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives.
It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website.
It is quite staggering and a must visit!