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 18, 2024

Railroads In The 20th Century (1900s): Facts, Statistics, History

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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.

Continue reading "Railroads In The 20th Century (1900s): Facts, Statistics, History"

Mar 18, 2024

"Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In Pennsylvania (2024)

In Pennsylvania, there is currently one location hosting official "Day Out With Thomas" train rides, the Strasburg Railroad. Learn more about these events here.

Continue reading ""Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In Pennsylvania (2024)"

Mar 18, 2024

Steam Locomotive Tenders: Types, Trucks, Capacity, Photos

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The tender was a storage device carried behind a steam locomotive which provided for extra fuel and water, extending its range between stops.

Continue reading "Steam Locomotive Tenders: Types, Trucks, Capacity, Photos"

Mar 17, 2024

"Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In Illinois (2024)

Thomas the Tank Engine will make an appearance at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. Learn more about these events here.

Continue reading ""Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In Illinois (2024)"

Mar 17, 2024

Erie Railroad: Map, History, Rosters, Logo

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The Erie Railroad's earliest history dates back to the 1830s and later in the 19th century as one of the most powerful lines.

Continue reading "Erie Railroad: Map, History, Rosters, Logo"

Mar 15, 2024

EMD "GM10B" Electric Locomotives: Specs, History, Overview

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The GM10B was Electro-Motive's B-B-B testbed electric unveiled in 1976 during an era of high oil prices. While a solid design the industry's struggles during that time resulted in no sales.

Continue reading "EMD "GM10B" Electric Locomotives: Specs, History, Overview"

Mar 14, 2024

Walla Walla Valley Railway: History, Route, Photos

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The Walla Walla Valley Railway dates back to the 1890s as an interurban, abandoning this in the early 1930s. It became a Northern Pacific subsidiary and survived as part of BN until 1985.

Continue reading "Walla Walla Valley Railway: History, Route, Photos"

Mar 14, 2024

Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad

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The Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville was a short line and interurban dating to 1867, located in eastern New York. The route was completely abandoned in 1988.

Continue reading "Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad"

Mar 14, 2024

Norfolk & Western 611: Excursions, Restoration, Background

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Norfolk and Western 611 is one of the railroad's beautiful 4-8-4 J's. Today, she is operable at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Continue reading "Norfolk & Western 611: Excursions, Restoration, Background"

Mar 13, 2024

"Congressional Service" (Train)

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The Congressional service was a commuter/streamliner operation that gave local travelers high-speed service up and down the Northeast Corridor for more than 30 years.

Continue reading ""Congressional Service" (Train)"

Mar 13, 2024

Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 #3985: Restoration, Status, Overview

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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"

Mar 12, 2024

Virginia Fall Foliage Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide

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Visit the Buckingham Branch Railroad in Dillwyn to view the region's fall colors by train. Learn more about their trips here!

Continue reading "Virginia Fall Foliage Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide"

Mar 12, 2024

EMD "F40C" Locomotives

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The F40C was EMD's commuter variant of its troublesome SDP40F. Despite the latter's issue, the former enjoyed 30 years of service at Metra.

Continue reading "EMD "F40C" Locomotives"

Mar 12, 2024

Hell Gate Bridge: Facts, Height, Construction, Images

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The beautiful but foreboding named Hell Gate Bridge in New York City was a engineering marvel completed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1917.

Continue reading "Hell Gate Bridge: Facts, Height, Construction, Images"

Mar 12, 2024

EMD "F40PH" Series: Specifications, Overview, Roster

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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.

Continue reading "EMD "F40PH" Series: Specifications, Overview, Roster"

Mar 11, 2024

4-6-6-4 "Challenger" Locomotives: Dimensions, Images, History

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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: Dimensions, Images, History"

Mar 11, 2024

Union Pacific "Big Boy" Locomotives: HP, Weight, Photos

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The 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" was designed by Alco and Union Pacific's Otto Jabelman to handle freight over the Wasatch Mountains. Today, several survive.

Continue reading "Union Pacific "Big Boy" Locomotives: HP, Weight, Photos"

Mar 10, 2024

EMD "FT" Locomotives: Specifications, Rosters, Overview

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The FT started it all for the builder, bolstering its position as the leader in the diesel locomotive market.

Continue reading "EMD "FT" Locomotives: Specifications, Rosters, Overview"

Mar 09, 2024

Railroads And The Industrial Revolution In America (1850s)

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Discussing how railroads in the 1850s continued to revolutionize the industry and the development of new lines and railroads west of the Ohio River.

Continue reading "Railroads And The Industrial Revolution In America (1850s)"

Mar 08, 2024

Cotton Belt Timetables (January, 1930)

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Presented here is the St. Louis Southwestern Railway's public timetables from the January, 1930 issue of the "Official Guide."

Continue reading "Cotton Belt Timetables (January, 1930)"

Mar 08, 2024

"Texas Special" (Train): Photos, Route, Schedule, Consist

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The Texas Special was a streamliner operated by the Katy and Frisco between St. Louis and Dallas/Fort Worth. It was inaugurated in 1948 as a streamliner was completely canceled by 1965.

Continue reading ""Texas Special" (Train): Photos, Route, Schedule, Consist"

Mar 07, 2024

Los Angeles Union Station: Interior, History, Amtrak

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Union Station Los Angeles (or, Los Angeles Union Station), known historically by as Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal, was the last great such structure built in this country when it opened in 1939. Today, LAUPT remains in regular use.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Union Station: Interior, History, Amtrak"

Mar 07, 2024

Monon Timetables (August, 1952)

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Highlighted here is the Monon's brief public timetables presented in the August, 1952 issue of the "Official Guide."

Continue reading "Monon Timetables (August, 1952)"

Mar 07, 2024

Westinghouse Air Brake: Invention, History, Overview

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The Westinghouse Automatic Air Brake was one of the most important early advancements in railroad safety and operation, developed in the 1860s by George Westinghouse.

Continue reading "Westinghouse Air Brake: Invention, History, Overview"

Mar 07, 2024

Cornelius Vanderbilt: Biography, Facts, Net Worth

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Cornelius Vanderbilt who was famously known as the Commodore is also the best remembered railroad tycoon creating the NYC lines through shrewd business tactics.

Continue reading "Cornelius Vanderbilt: Biography, Facts, Net Worth"

Mar 06, 2024

Nickel Plate Road Timetables (August, 1952)

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Featured here is the Nickel Plate's public timetables presented in the August, 1952 issue of "The Official Guide Of The Railways."

Continue reading "Nickel Plate Road Timetables (August, 1952)"

Mar 06, 2024

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway: Map, History, Rosters

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The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern was the largest terminal carrier to serve Chicago, connecting with all major railroads. Today, its part of Canadian National.

Continue reading "Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway: Map, History, Rosters"

Mar 06, 2024

Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview

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In railroad jargon, Class 1 railroads refer to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here.

Continue reading "Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview"

Mar 06, 2024

Rail Travel's Decline (USA): 1950s-1970s

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The true decline in rail travel began after World War II as more folks took to the highways and airlines. The decline did not stop and the industry eventually abandoned the service.

Continue reading "Rail Travel's Decline (USA): 1950s-1970s"

Mar 06, 2024

Alco "RS36" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Roster, Photos

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The RS36 was the last four-axle road switcher the manufacturer ever built. Learn where you can find preserved units today.

Continue reading "Alco "RS36" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Roster, Photos"

Mar 05, 2024

"Shasta Daylight" (Train): History, Timetables, Route

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The Shasta Daylight served the Pacific Northwest connecting Portland with Oakland. It was inaugurated in 1949.

Continue reading ""Shasta Daylight" (Train): History, Timetables, Route"

Mar 05, 2024

Civil War Railroads: Map and Facts (North vs South)

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Railroads in the Civil War were critical to both sides during the conflict. Learn how new technologies were developed and expansion continued afterward.

Continue reading "Civil War Railroads: Map and Facts (North vs South)"

Mar 05, 2024

Great Railroad Strike Of 1877: History, Result, Location

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The Great Railroad Strike Of 1877 was a semi-spontaneous movement aimed at restoring a wage cut which began on July 26, 1877 along the Baltimore & Ohio.

Continue reading "Great Railroad Strike Of 1877: History, Result, Location"

Mar 05, 2024

The "Blue Bird" (Train): Consist, Schedule, Timetable

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The Blue Bird was a regional streamliner operated by the Wabash that served Chicago and St. Louis. After an N&W merger in 1964 the train was rerouted although survived until Amtrak.

Continue reading "The "Blue Bird" (Train): Consist, Schedule, Timetable"

Mar 05, 2024

"Nickel Plate Limited" (Train): Schedule, Consist, Timetable

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The Nickel Plate Limited was the flagship run of the NKP between Chicago and Buffalo with connecting service to New York. It survived until 1965.

Continue reading ""Nickel Plate Limited" (Train): Schedule, Consist, Timetable"

Mar 05, 2024

Seaboard Air Line Railroad: Map, Rosters, History

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Seaboard Air Line's slogan,"Through The Heart Of The South," fit the line well as it connected Virginia, Alabama, and Florida.

Continue reading "Seaboard Air Line Railroad: Map, Rosters, History"

Mar 04, 2024

Transcontinental Railroad: Maps, Facts, Completion

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The First Transcontinental Railroad's completion marked the first time in history the United States offered an efficient mode of transportation from coast-to-coast.

Continue reading "Transcontinental Railroad: Maps, Facts, Completion"

Mar 04, 2024

EMD "GP9" Locomotives: Specifications, Overview, Rosters

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The GP9 followed the GP7 in 1954. With a slight increase in horsepower, EMD's second model was amazingly even more successful with more than 4,300 sold!

Continue reading "EMD "GP9" Locomotives: Specifications, Overview, Rosters"

Mar 04, 2024

Railroads In Ohio: Map, History, Abandoned Lines

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Because of the state's location and proximity to major ports, Ohio railroads once operated nearly 10,000 miles. Today, about half is still in service.

Continue reading "Railroads In Ohio: Map, History, Abandoned Lines"

Mar 04, 2024

Railroads In New York: Map, History, Abandoned Lines

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New York railroads was a treasure trove for railfans as virtually every notable classic eastern railroad served the state. Learn more about the state's history with trains and what remains today.

Continue reading "Railroads In New York: Map, History, Abandoned Lines"

Mar 04, 2024

NC&STL Public Timetables (August, 1952)

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Highlighted here is the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

Continue reading "NC&STL Public Timetables (August, 1952)"

Mar 04, 2024

Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway: Map and History

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The Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis (NC&StL), known as the "Dixie Line," dates to the 1840s. It was acquired by the Louisville & Nashville in the 1880s.

Continue reading "Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway: Map and History"

Mar 04, 2024

Fallen Flag Railroads: Photos, Logos, and Histories

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Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon.

Continue reading "Fallen Flag Railroads: Photos, Logos, and Histories"

Mar 04, 2024

Railroads In America, U.S. History

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An informational and educational resource guide covering American railroads. Learn more about what was like to experience America by rail.

Continue reading "Railroads In America, U.S. History"

Mar 04, 2024

Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition

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Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here.

Continue reading "Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition"

Mar 04, 2024

"John Bull" Steam Locomotive (1831): Smithsonian, History

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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"

Mar 04, 2024

Cyrus K. Holliday, AT&SF Founder: Facts and Biography

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Cyrus K. Holliday was an American businessman and politician who played a significant role in the establishment of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, serving as its first president.

Continue reading "Cyrus K. Holliday, AT&SF Founder: Facts and Biography"

Mar 04, 2024

Mark Hopkins, Jr (Railroad): Executive, Biography, Net Worth

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Mark Hopkins was the accounting guru of the Big Four which established the Central Pacific Railroad. He passed away soon after the route was completed.

Continue reading "Mark Hopkins, Jr (Railroad): Executive, Biography, Net Worth"

Mar 04, 2024

Leland Stanford (Railroads): Net Worth, Industry, Facts

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Leland Stanford was another member of the Big Four which helped finance the Central Pacific Railroad. It was he who secured much of the land and financing for the project.

Continue reading "Leland Stanford (Railroads): Net Worth, Industry, Facts"

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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!