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 02, 2023
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides (2023)
Enjoy dinner by train in Appalachia at three different locations in Kentucky, including the popular "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train."
Feb 02, 2023
Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville)
The Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway) was an Indiana institution whose moniker, "The Hoosier Line," suited it well.
Continue reading "Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville)"
Feb 02, 2023
Oregon Dinner Train Rides (2023)
In Oregon you can find two locations offering food service during a short train ride; the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and Mt Hood Railroad. Learn more here.
Feb 01, 2023
Railroad Jobs In Vermont
Its striking that so many railroads operate in such a small state. You can locate potential Vermont railroad jobs amongst the nine lines serving the state by visiting this page.
Jan 31, 2023
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Locomotive Roster & Events
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has been preserving southern rail history for more than 50 years now. Besides excursions it also works with Norfolk Southern's 21st Century Steam Program.
Continue reading "Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Locomotive Roster & Events"
Jan 31, 2023
Alco "FA" Locomotives
Learn about the history of the Alco FA and why it proved popular with railfans more so than with railroads.
Jan 31, 2023
Plymouth Locomotive Works
A brief history of the Plymouth Locomotive Works, the largest manufacturer of small diesel-electric and gasoline locomotives.
Jan 31, 2023
General Motors Diesel Division, Ltd. (GMDD)
General Motors Diesel, Ltd. became EMD's Canadian division formed in 1949 with a plant in London, Ontario. It built locomotives until 2012 when new ownership closed the facility.
Continue reading "General Motors Diesel Division, Ltd. (GMDD)"
Jan 31, 2023
Milwaukee Road (Railroad)
The Milwaukee Road, whose official name was the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific, dates to the mid-19th century and disappeared in 1985.
Jan 30, 2023
Whitcomb Locomotive Company
The Whitcomb Locomotive Works was an early manufacturer that to 1892 building mining equipment. It was acquired by Baldwin and remained in business until 1952.
Jan 30, 2023
Canadian Locomotive Company
The Canadian Locomotive Company, or CLC, was a long-time manufacturer dating back to the 19th century. It is best remember as an arm of Fairbanks Morse.
Jan 30, 2023
Montreal Locomotive Works
The Montreal Locomotive Works, or MLW, was a Canadian manufacturer of locomotives that was acquired by Alco. It ceased production in 1985.
Jan 30, 2023
"21st Century Steam Program" (NS): Locomotives, Cars, Photos
The 21st Century Steam Program was an initiative launched by Norfolk Southern in 2011 showcasing historic steam locomotives in operation along its system pulling special excursions during the year.
Continue reading ""21st Century Steam Program" (NS): Locomotives, Cars, Photos"
Jan 30, 2023
4-12-2 "Union Pacific" Locomotives
The 4-12-2 "Union Pacific" was named for the only railroad which operated the design. It first entered service in 1926 and remained so until the 1950s.
Jan 30, 2023
Baltimore & Ohio 2-8-8-0 Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster
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 "Baltimore & Ohio 2-8-8-0 Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster"
Jan 30, 2023
2-8-8-0 Locomotives: History, Pictures, Information
The 2-8-8-0 Consolidation Mallet was first put into service by the Santa Fe as an experimentation of a basic Consolidation in 1911.
Continue reading "2-8-8-0 Locomotives: History, Pictures, Information"
Jan 30, 2023
2-8-8-2 "Chesapeake" Locomotives
The 2-8-8-2 wheel arrangement, also known as Chesapeakes, were a powerful Mallet steam locomotive design first introduced in 1909.
Jan 30, 2023
B&O's 2-6-6-4 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Baltimore & Ohio's Class KB-1 2-6-6-4s were actualy former Seaboard Air Line units it acquired in the late 1940s to fill a power shortage.
Continue reading "B&O's 2-6-6-4 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos"
Jan 30, 2023
B&O's 2-6-6-2 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Baltimore and Ohio's fleet of 2-6-6-2s, listed as Class KK by the railroad, were a batch of former BR&P locomotives it acquired during the 1930s.
Continue reading "B&O's 2-6-6-2 Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos"
Jan 30, 2023
2-6-6-2 "Mallet" Locomotives: History, Images, Inventor
The 2-6-6-2 wheel arrangement was a steam locomotive type designed for many purposes from logging operations to main line service and was used by many railroads.
Continue reading "2-6-6-2 "Mallet" Locomotives: History, Images, Inventor"
Jan 30, 2023
N&W 2-6-6-2 Locomotives (Class Z)
Norfolk & Western Class Z 2-6-6-2's included a fleet of Mallets the railroad used in drag service beginning in 1912. Some remained in use until the 1950s.
Jan 30, 2023
"Stourbridge Lion" Locomotive (Honesdale, PA): Engine, Images
The Stourbridge Lion is enshrined in railroad history as the first steam locomotive to operate in the United States during August, 1829.
Continue reading ""Stourbridge Lion" Locomotive (Honesdale, PA): Engine, Images"
Jan 30, 2023
"John Bull" Steam Locomotive (1831): Smithsonian, History
The John Bull was a British steam locomotive built for use on New Jersey's Camden & Amboy in 1831. Today, it is preserved at the Smithsonian Institution.
Continue reading ""John Bull" Steam Locomotive (1831): Smithsonian, History"
Jan 30, 2023
"DeWitt Clinton" (Train): Locomotive, Invention, Photos
The DeWitt Clinton was an early steam locomotive, the third ever built for use America when it entered service in August, 1831 on the Mohawk & Hudson.
Continue reading ""DeWitt Clinton" (Train): Locomotive, Invention, Photos"
Jan 29, 2023
Scenic Dinner Train Rides: A Complete Guide (2023)
Dinner trains have become a popular attraction in recent years. Here, you can find dates and locations for these events in 2022.
Continue reading "Scenic Dinner Train Rides: A Complete Guide (2023)"
Jan 29, 2023
Michigan Dinner Train Rides (2023)
Michigan is home to two heritage railroads which offer dinner train experiences, the Adrian & Blissfield and Coopersville & Marne. Learn more about them here.
Jan 29, 2023
Sportsman (Train): Schedule, Route, Accommodations
The Sportsman was a Michigan service thanks to the C&O's ownership of the Pere Marquette serving Detroit and Newport News. It began in 1930 and was dropped entirely in 1971.
Continue reading "Sportsman (Train): Schedule, Route, Accommodations"
Jan 29, 2023
Ann Arbor Railroad: Map, Car Ferries, Locomotive Roster
The historic Ann Arbor Railroad has served Michigan for more than 100 years despite many twists and turns. Today, most of the original route is still in use.
Continue reading "Ann Arbor Railroad: Map, Car Ferries, Locomotive Roster"
Jan 28, 2023
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.
Continue reading "Lima Locomotive Works: Location, Factory, Demolition"
Jan 28, 2023
Davenport Locomotive Works (USA)
The Davenport Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of small switchers based in Iowa. It dated to 1904 and was eventually bought out by the Canadian Locomotive Company in 1955.
Jan 28, 2023
Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3985: Restoration, Status, Overview
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.
Continue reading "Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3985: Restoration, Status, Overview"
Jan 28, 2023
Southern Pacific #4449 "Daylight": Schedule, Whistle, Train
Southern Pacific #4449 is a 4-8-4 classified as its Golden States or GS Class. Today, the locomotive is restored and wears the railroad's Daylight livery.
Continue reading "Southern Pacific #4449 "Daylight": Schedule, Whistle, Train"
Jan 28, 2023
Pere Marquette #1225: Polar Express, Top Speed, Whistle
Pere Marquette 1225 is a 2-8-4 Berkshire, once part of the railroad's Class N. Its well known today for its role in the Polar Express movie.
Continue reading "Pere Marquette #1225: Polar Express, Top Speed, Whistle"
Jan 28, 2023
Norfolk & Western #1218
Norfolk & Western #1218 is an incredibly powerful and fast 2-6-6-4. Today, it is on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
Jan 28, 2023
Nickel Plate Road #765: Whistle, Schedule, Excursions
Nickel Plate Road 765 is a 2-8-4 Berkshire. Today, it is owned and operated by the Fort Wayne Railway Historical Society.
Continue reading "Nickel Plate Road #765: Whistle, Schedule, Excursions"
Jan 28, 2023
Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261: Schedule, Whistle, Pictures
Milwaukee Road #261 is a 4-8-4 locomotive part of its S-3 Class built by Alco in 1943. Today, it is in owned by the Friends Of The 261.
Continue reading "Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261: Schedule, Whistle, Pictures"
Jan 28, 2023
"Jawn Henry" Locomotive (Norfolk & Western)
Norfolk & Western's Jawn Henry was an experimental steam turbine locomotive built in 1954. It proved problematic and troublesome and was scrapped by 1957.
Continue reading ""Jawn Henry" Locomotive (Norfolk & Western)"
Jan 28, 2023
"The General" 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive
The 4-4-0 General was a steam locomotive made famous in the Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War. Today, it is preserved at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.
Jan 28, 2023
C&O 2-6-6-2 #1309 Locomotive
Chesapeake & Ohio #1309 is a 2-6-6-2 compound Mallet built by Baldwin in 1949 for coal service. It is slated for restoration and operation.
Jan 28, 2023
2-10-4 "Texas" Locomotives
A late design,the powerful 2-10-4 Texas first saw use on the Texas & Pacific in 1925. Several roads used the 2-10-4 in freight service until the 1950's.
Jan 28, 2023
4-6-0 "Ten-Wheeler" Locomotives
The 4-6-0 was an incredibly popular steam locomotive that first saw service in the 1840s. Thousands were built and saw use on numerous railroads.
Jan 28, 2023
Southern Ps4 Locomotives (4-6-2): Whistle, #1401, Images
Southern Railway's Ps4 class was a group 4-6-2's used in passenger service, often recognized for their beauty. Today, one is preserved at the Smithsonian.
Continue reading "Southern Ps4 Locomotives (4-6-2): Whistle, #1401, Images"
Jan 28, 2023
4-6-2 "Pacific" Locomotives
The 4-6-2 was a steam locomotive first developed in the early 1900s and became widely used in passenger service for many railroads.
Jan 28, 2023
Mallet Locomotives: Images, Inventor, Information
The Mallet was a unique steam locomotive design developed by Anatole Mallet that utilized two boilers.
Continue reading "Mallet Locomotives: Images, Inventor, Information"
Jan 28, 2023
4-6-4 "Hudson" Locomotives
The 4-6-4 Hudson was developed by the NYC in the 1920s hence its name. Read more about its development and which lines used this type.
Jan 28, 2023
Climax Locomotives (Corry, PA): Drawings, Images, Survivors
The Climax was a geared steam locomotive designed by Charles Scott in 1884. It ultimately became quite successful and was a serious competitor to the Shay.
Continue reading "Climax Locomotives (Corry, PA): Drawings, Images, Survivors"
Jan 28, 2023
Geared Steam Locomotives: Shay, Heisler, Climax
Geared steam locomotives vary from standard rod-driven designs by using gears for propulsion. Read about the different models and how they were developed.
Continue reading "Geared Steam Locomotives: Shay, Heisler, Climax"
Jan 28, 2023
2-8-0 "Consolidation" Locomotives
The 2-8-0 was a highly successful steam design first developed just after the Civil War. As technologies improved the 2-8-0 became larger and more powerful.
Jan 28, 2023
Spokane, Portland & Seattle #700: Locomotive, History
Spokane, Portland & Seattle #700 is a 4-8-4 locomotive built during the 1930s. The Northern was later restored in the 1980s and now calls Portland home.
Continue reading "Spokane, Portland & Seattle #700: Locomotive, History"
Recent Articles
-
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides (2023)
Feb 02, 23 03:58 PM
Enjoy dinner by train in Appalachia at three different locations in Kentucky, including the popular "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train." -
Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville)
Feb 02, 23 02:22 PM
The Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway) was an Indiana institution whose moniker, "The Hoosier Line," suited it well. -
Oregon Dinner Train Rides (2023)
Feb 02, 23 01:15 PM
In Oregon you can find two locations offering food service during a short train ride; the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and Mt Hood Railroad. Learn more here. -
Railroad Jobs In Vermont
Feb 01, 23 05:25 PM
Its striking that so many railroads operate in such a small state. You can locate potential Vermont railroad jobs amongst the nine lines serving the state by visiting this page. -
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Locomotive Roster & Events
Jan 31, 23 06:41 PM
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has been preserving southern rail history for more than 50 years now. Besides excursions it also works with Norfolk Southern's 21st Century Steam Program.
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!