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.
May 18, 2022
EMD "SD50" Locomotives: Data, Photos, History & More
The SD50 was first produced in 1981 and the model proved to be the builder's downfall as it was plagued with engine and microprocessor problems.
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May 18, 2022
Arizona Railroads: Map, History, Abandoned Lines
Read about the history of Arizona railroads, the state's rail mileage over the years, its present-day relationship with trains, and much more.
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May 18, 2022
Southern Pacific's "Lark" (Train): Consist, Schedule, Route
The SP's Lark was its overnight streamlined, all-Pullman train running between Los Angeles and Oakland. It was discontinued in April, 1968.
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May 18, 2022
Southern Pacific's "Daylight" (Train): Consist, Locomotives
The Daylight was Southern Pacific first in an entire fleet of trains sporting a two-tone orange livery. It began in 1939 between San Francisco-Los Angeles.
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May 17, 2022
Southern Pacific's "Imperial" (Train): Consist, Schedule
The Imperial was a secondary Southern Pacific train that for many years operated between Los Angeles and Chicago by way of California's Imperial Valley. Remaining service ceased in 1967.
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May 16, 2022
Lima Locomotive Works: Location, Factory, Demolition
Lima Locomotive Works was the smallest of the three major steam locomotive builders but nevertheless outshopped quality products such as large Mallets and geared Shays.
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May 16, 2022
EMD "SW1000" Locomotives: Specifications, Photos, Roster
The SW1000 was a second-generation switcher model that used an updated prime mover and slightly different carbody.
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May 16, 2022
EMD "SW1001" Locomotives: Specifications, Photos, Roster
The SW1001 replaced the SW1000 to correct a design flaw with the carbody, which was not compatible in industrial settings.
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May 14, 2022
C&O's "The Chessie" Passenger Train (Streamliner)
The Chessie was the Chesapeake & Ohio's still-born, luxurious all-coach train to serve the Washington, D.C. - Cincinnati corridor.
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May 13, 2022
B&O's "Metropolitan Special" (Train): Timetable, Consist, Route
The B&O's Metropolitan Special played clean-up duty serving many intermediate stops between St. Louis and New York. It survived until Amtrak in 1971.
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May 12, 2022
Boston & Albany Railroad: Map, History, Photos
The Boston & Albany, with a heritage dating as far back as 1831, became an integral part of the New York Central offering direct service to Boston.
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May 12, 2022
Virginia & Truckee Railroad: Locomotives, History, Roster
The recently rebuilt Virginia & Truckee Railroad is a historic company that once helped with Nevada's Comstock Lode and today visitors can ride the line.
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May 10, 2022
Transcontinental Railroad: Map, Completion, Definition, Facts
The Transcontinental Railroad's completion marked the first time in history the United States offered an efficient mode of transportation from coast-to-coast.
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May 10, 2022
Pennsylvania Station (NYC): Old, Demolition, Photos, History
Pennsylvania Station was one of the most breathtaking structures ever built in this country. It opened in 1910 and was razed in the 1960s, replaced by Madison Square Garden.
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May 10, 2022
Alco "RS36" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Roster, Photos
The RS36 was the last four-axle road switcher the manufacturer ever built. Learn where you can find preserved units today.
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May 09, 2022
Baldwin "DS-4-4-1000" Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster
The DS-4-4-1000 was one of the Baldwin's most successful diesel models it every produced, replacing the earlier VO-1000 in 1946.
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May 09, 2022
EMD "SW900" Locomotives: Specifications, Photos, Roster
The SW900 began a new numbering designation for EMD's switcher line. This particular model was relatively successful.
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May 08, 2022
Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad: Map, Roster, Photos
The Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad, affectionately remembered as the Ma & Pa, served Baltimore and points north. In 1999 it became the York Railway.
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May 06, 2022
Baldwin "AS-416" Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster
The AS416 was one of Baldwin's final four-axle road-switchers. It sold very poorly although a few of these rare units remain preserved today.
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May 06, 2022
C&NW's "Dakota 400" (Train): Timetable, Schedule, Consist
The Dakota 400 was a late addition to the C&NW's fleet of 400s, inaugurated in 1950. Serving South Dakota, it was discontinued in 1963 as rail patronage declined.
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May 05, 2022
"San Joaquin Daylight" (Train): Consist, Schedule, Photos
Southern Pacific's San Joaquin Daylight operated the same routing as the original, between San Francisco and Oakland, debuting in 1941.
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May 03, 2022
Michigan Central Railroad: Map, Logo, Timetables, History
The Michigan Central was a 1,700-mile system which served much of Michigan and Buffalo via southern Ontario. It became part of the New York Central.
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May 03, 2022
EMD "SW8" Locomotives: Specifications, Photos, Roster
The SW8 produced in 1950 followed the SW7. Virtually identical, the SW8 was less powerful and utilized an upgraded version of the model 567 prime mover.
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May 01, 2022
Polar Express Train Rides (2022): Locations, Dates, Schedules
Looking for official Polar Express train rides in 2022? You can find them all the dates and locations here.
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Apr 30, 2022
EMD "AB6" Locomotives (Rock Island): Specs, Photos, Roster
The AB6 was a unique version of its E6 design that utilized a cabless B unit , which was retrofitted as an A for use on the Rock Island's Rocky Mountain Rocket.
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Apr 28, 2022
EMD "SW9" Locomotives: Specifications, Photos, Roster
The SW9 was built at the same time as the SW8 and, likely due to its increased horsepower, saw very nice sales that neared 1,000 units.
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Apr 28, 2022
Union Pacific #3985: Top Speed, Status, Schedule, Whistle
Union Pacific 3985 is a 4-6-6-4 Challenger steam locomotive owned by Union Pacific and part of its historic steam program. It operated from 1981-2010.
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Apr 26, 2022
North Shore Line Railroad: Map, Schedule, Abandonment
The Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee was another of Chicago's well remembered interurbans.
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Apr 26, 2022
Southern Pacific's "Owl" (Train): Consist, Schedule, Route
The Owl was a secondary, overnight Southern Pacific train serving the San Francisco/Oakland to Los Angeles corridor. It was launched in the late 19th century and discontinued during the 1960s.
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Apr 25, 2022
"Morning Hiawatha" (Train): Schedule, Timetable, Consist
The Morning Hiawatha was a new, ultra-fast streamliner the Milwaukee Road launched during early 1939 between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
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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!