1. Home
  2.  ›
  3. Creating American-Rails.com
  4.  ›
  5. A Site Build It! Review

A Site Build It! Review

Last revised: February 24, 2023

Upon clicking to this page you might be wondering, "Okay, what does this have to do with railroading or anything at all related to American-Rails.com?!"  

While this may sound a bit confusing, everything and nothing. Yes, of course this topic has nothing directly to do with the website, at least in terms of content.

However, if it were not for a service called Site Build It! (also known as Solo Build It!, a SiteSell, Inc. product) there is absolutely no way I could bring you American-Rails.com or have even developed this online resource.  

I guess the best way to go about this is to just start from the beginning and tell you how the website was born. You may have already heard me talk about this elsewhere but not the "reason" and "why."  

During the early fall/late summer of 2005 I had been out of college for a few months and was still, for the most part, at a loss as to what I really wanted to do with my life, at least as far as a career was concerned.

Yes, I had earned my degree in a field I was interested in and from a highly respected institution.

While I remained unsure, I knew I wanted to do something which brought great enjoyment, a sense of self-accomplishment, and provided a respectable income.

 I had long contemplated running my own business but with no money to launch a brick-and-mortar operation this was not an option.

Back in the spring of that year I got my first taste of website development when I helped put together a little hobby/freelance project with a few friends.  

I very much enjoyed it and began seriously considering launching my own business via this platform but had no idea where to turn or how to even get started.  

If owning and developing your own website is something you are interested in, whether it may be for just a little extra cash or a full-time project, you are probably aware that a simple Google search will bring up literally hundreds of search results and/or endorsements.  

Many are simply "get rich quick" schemes that claim they can either earn thousands of dollars in the first month or provide all the tools ever needed to achieve success.

Needless to say I tried a few of those "get rich quick" sites and soon learned the amount of work required (something which they never tell you) was so overbearing that they were simply not worth it.  

The unfortunate truth behind most is that someone else is making the money at your expense and you never have the chance to develop a website on a subject you are passionate about.

The purpose of this review is to highlight the Site Build It!/Solo Build It! services, which are nothing like those "get rich quick" schemes.  

As I continued searching for an honest, straightforward web hosting service from which to launch my own site I happened to stumble upon a review not unlike this one where an individual was highlighting the SBI! product.  

They explained in great detail what it was all about and how much it had helped them.  As I continued to read I realized I had finally found what I was looking for.  

From the start, SBI! clearly explains, step-by-step, just what it takes to launch a successful web business and garner top rankings for whatever subject you are writing/highlighting while providing the necessary tools to do so.  

If you have done your homework and understand the market you are targeting you will eventually drive significant numbers of visitors (web traffic) to your website, the lifeblood for any web business.  

The bottom line is the path to success is not rocket science; if you have the drive, determination, and willingness to put in the work necessary you can create your own successful website in whatever capacity you define as "success" (i.e., to complement your established brick-and-motor business, selling your own product[s], offering a service, or simply presenting reference material).  

For instance, in the case of American-Rails.com I was looking to create an online resource (reference) for those researching American railroad history because it is a subject I have been interested for as long as I can remember.  

With help from Site Build It!, I believe I have firmly achieved what I set out to accomplish.  Today, American-Rails.com receives more than 400,000 page views per month.  

To put that in perspective there are currently more than 1 billion websites online which means American-Rails.com ranks inside the top 1%, worldwide.

Site Build It! And Your Success

While I have already mentioned a little about my Solo Build It! experience it was a few quotes I ran across while originally researching the SiteSell, Inc. services and their success stories that really hit home:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~ Mark Twain

"The biggest mistake people make in life is NOT making a living at doing what they most enjoy."

~ Malcolm S. Forbes

Another comes from a Robert Frost poem entitled Robert Frost, "Two Tramps In Mudtime:"

"My object in living is to unite

My avocation and my vocation

As my two eyes make one in sight.

Only where love and need are one,

And the work is play for mortal stakes,

Is the deed ever really done

For Heaven and the future's sakes."

I think that these are such important life lessons, doing the things in life that make us the happiest. 

If you are seriously interested in pursuing this idea please do not become discouraged by thinking that you cannot because you do not have the necessary computer skills.

Believe me, Sitesell will provide all that you need and walk you through everything, regardless of your technological expertise.  

Previously I mentioned a bit about those other services I had tried and the pitfalls with each (you can read more about how they compare to SBI! here).

One of their biggest drawbacks, besides the fact that you do not "get rich quick" as many claim, is they just do not provide the tools you need to succeed.  

So you might be asking, "Okay, so how exactly did you come to learn about SBI before actually purchasing it?"

Well, that’s where the real beauty of the Sitesell service comes into play. They provide you a great deal of information on just what it takes to create your website before you purchase their product.

What was my biggest draw to Sitesell and the Solo Build It! services?  Most definitely the independence, self-reliance and accomplishment it offered.

I was able to create my very own website (not a pre-built, "cookie-cutter" experience) on a subject I love and continue taking great pride in developing it everyday.  

You can do this very same thing; with the tools already provided, all you need is the motivation!  If Site Build It! sounds like something for you, or you would like to learn more about Sitesell and SBI!

I strongly suggest thoroughly reading through what they offer before taking the final step of purchasing.   In this way you will have a firm grasp about SBI! and the task in front you.  

If you ever have any questions and would like to contact SiteSell directly feel free to do so, they are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.  

Remember, while creating a successful website is most certainly achievable Site Build It! can only assist in your endeavor.  

You must have the drive, determination, and (most importantly) patience to see it reach whatever goal you have set forth.

Looking ahead with American-Rails.com, as it becomes more successful with every passing day I'm still rather amazed at what I have created with just a little hard work and drive.

The joy, accomplishment, and self-reliance this type of work brings is simply unparalleled. I absolutely love being able to commute right to my computer every morning to begin my day.  

I truly feel fortunate to have found Sitesell and SBI!  It is still hard to believe I can do something I so thoroughly enjoy and earn a living at the same time.  

Whatever your career may be I wish you the very best with your success and most importantly, may it bring you great joy and accomplishment in your life.

Recent Articles

  1. Wisconsin Central Diesel Roster (Soo Line Years)

    Nov 01, 26 11:31 PM

    soo-sc-gp9-2556.jpg
    Diesels built new for the Wisconsin Central in the Soo Line years. 97 locomotives, Alco 24 and Electro-Motive 73. These 97 are already inside the Soo Line roster of 786.

    Read More

  2. Wisconsin Central Ltd. Diesel Roster

    Nov 01, 26 11:22 PM

    69124714628592867219838972890738.jpg
    Wisconsin Central Ltd. diesels, 1987 to 2001. Thirty locomotives with a number fixed by another roster on this site or by a photograph. The fleet stood at 244 units. More than 100 were SD45s.

    Read More

  3. Wisconsin Central Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Nov 01, 26 11:20 PM

    Wisconsin Central steam locomotives built since 1900. The quantity column is 156. Consolidations, Mikados, Atlantics, Ten-Wheelers, Pacifics, and Mountains. The Soo 4-8-4s stay on the Soo roster.

    Read More

  4. Wisconsin Central Railway: Map, History, Logo, Roster

    Nov 01, 26 11:15 PM

    wc-6006.jpg
    Two railroads kept the Wisconsin Central name. The 1871 line was leased to the Soo on April 1, 1909 and merged January 1, 1961. Wisconsin Central Ltd. ran from October 11, 1987 until Canadian National…

    Read More

  5. Watchmen Talks Extended at Los Angeles and Long Beach

    Nov 01, 26 10:41 PM

    Suggested meta description: The Pacific Maritime Association and ILWU Local 26 extended their contract through 5 p.m. Pacific Time on November 4, 2026, moving a November 1 deadline at the ports of Los…

    Read More

  6. LIRR September Ridership Tops the 2019 Mark

    Nov 01, 26 10:39 PM

    The Long Island Rail Road carried 102 percent of its September 2019 ridership in September 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul said on October 28. Metro-North carried 323,423 riders on October 24 and 25.

    Read More

  7. North Carolina Awards the Rogers Road Bridge in Wake Forest

    Nov 01, 26 10:22 PM

    rogers-road-rendition.jpg
    NCDOT on October 28, 2026 awarded a contract to Blythe Construction for a bridge over the CSX S-Line on Rogers Road in Wake Forest. Work can start as early as November 30, with opening aimed at fall 2…

    Read More

  8. Trinity Books 2,190 Railcar Orders in the Third Quarter

    Nov 01, 26 10:17 PM

    tilx-gondola.jpg
    Trinity Industries on October 29, 2026 reported 2,190 new railcar orders and 2,030 deliveries in the third quarter. The company expects industry deliveries below 25,000 railcars in 2026.

    Read More

  9. New York Central's Jade Green E Units

    Nov 01, 26 09:25 PM

    nyc-jade-4053.jpg
    In 1961 the New York Central tried Century Green, called Jade Green, on E8As 4053 and 4083 and E7B 4107. Dark gray became the passenger scheme. The green stayed on freight cars.

    Read More

  10. FRA Awards $1.24 Billion for Grade-Crossing Work in 37 States

    Nov 01, 26 12:48 PM

    apollo-road-eaganmt-dk.jpg
    The Federal Railroad Administration on October 30, 2026, awarded $1.24 billion for 91 grade-crossing projects in 37 states under the Railroad Crossing Elimination program.

    Read More

  11. PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe Will Retire at the End of 2026

    Nov 01, 26 12:43 PM

    Clarelle DeGraffe will retire at the end of 2026 after 37 years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. James Sincaglia will succeed her as PATH director.

    Read More

  12. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Suspends Trains After a Rockslide

    Nov 01, 26 12:30 PM

    lgcr-gp39rn-dk.jpg
    The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway has suspended all trains indefinitely after a rockslide near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, on October 31, 2026. Tickets through November 15 will be refunded.

    Read More

  13. Georgia Marks the Opening of the Gainesville Inland Port

    Nov 01, 26 12:06 PM

    gainesvilleport-ribboncutting.jpg
    Norfolk Southern and Georgia Ports marked the Gainesville Inland Port on October 29, 2026. The terminal opened May 4 and can handle 200,000 containers a year at full build-out.

    Read More

  14. BLET Members Ratify Five-Year Deal on the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern

    Nov 01, 26 11:48 AM

    cpkc-media-blet.jpg
    Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members have ratified a five-year agreement with CPKC covering Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern lines. Engineers' hourly pay rises 41.42 percent over the…

    Read More

  15. Canada Lists Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as a Project of National Interest

    Nov 01, 26 11:03 AM

    On October 30, 2026, Canada listed the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 container project at the Port of Vancouver as a project of national interest. The listing includes a widened causeway for rail.

    Read More

  16. Amtrak Finishes the First Street Tunnel Work South of Union Station

    Nov 01, 26 09:59 AM

    amtrak-tunnel-cmplt.jpg
    Amtrak on October 26, 2026 finished nine days of work at A Interlocking in the First Street Tunnel south of Washington Union Station. Trains south of the station are back.

    Read More

  17. CPKC Asks the STB to End the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Review

    Nov 01, 26 12:23 AM

    cpkc-4805.jpg
    CPKC on October 30, 2026 asked the Surface Transportation Board to end its review of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, citing remarks by the Union Pacific chief executive.

    Read More

  18. U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 7.8 Percent in the Week Ending October 24

    Nov 01, 26 12:13 AM

    wnyp-franklin-fall-dk.jpg
    U.S. railroads moved 538,503 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 24, 2026, up 7.8 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said.

    Read More

  19. Schneider Will Shift Its Eastern Intermodal Freight to NS

    Nov 01, 26 12:06 AM

    ns-217-bluefield.jpg
    Schneider said October 29, 2026 that Norfolk Southern will be its primary eastern railroad. The move from CSX begins next month, with official implementation on January 1.

    Read More

  20. Union Pacific Dispatchers Will Vote on ATDA Representation

    Nov 01, 26 12:00 AM

    up-barstow-ll.jpg
    The National Mediation Board has authorized a representation election for Union Pacific train dispatchers. The American Train Dispatchers Association announced the decision on October 29, 2026.

    Read More

  21. Wabash Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 31, 26 12:35 AM

    28374236529735892362689389708.jpg
    Wabash diesel locomotives, each frame once, through the lease at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964.

    Read More

  22. Wabash Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Oct 31, 26 12:30 AM

    67o10293172461y242795086260970978.jpg
    Wabash steam locomotives built since 1900. Moguls, Mikados, Mountains, and the O-1 Northerns.

    Read More

  23. Wabash Railroad: Map, Rosters, History, Logo

    Oct 31, 26 12:28 AM

    91287365123512534162471587189569.jpg
    History of the Wabash Railroad, from the Northern Cross of 1838 to the Norfolk & Western lease at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964. Follow the Flag. Steam and diesel rosters are separate pages.

    Read More

  24. Court Clears $257.7 Million in Notes for Brightline Florida

    Oct 31, 26 12:18 AM

    brightline-delray-dk.jpg
    A New Jersey bankruptcy court on October 29, 2026 authorized $257.7 million in notes for Brightline Trains Florida. The operating company is not one of the 17 debtor holding companies.

    Read More

  25. Brightline West Still Waiting on a $6 Billion Federal Loan

    Oct 31, 26 12:11 AM

    brightilne-west-media.jpg
    Brightline West said October 27, 2026 that it is still working through a $6 billion federal loan and still talks about opening in 2029. The Florida restructuring is a separate company.

    Read More

  26. BNSF Reopens the Gallup Subdivision After New Mexico Flooding

    Oct 31, 26 12:06 AM

    bnsf-reopen-gallup.jpg
    BNSF said October 28, 2026 that both Gallup Subdivision main tracks are back after flooding near Laguna, New Mexico. The El Paso Subdivision was still out of service.

    Read More

  27. CSX Says Interchange Is Moving Again After a Technology Outage

    Oct 31, 26 12:01 AM

    csx-rabbit-2021-rb.jpg
    CSX said October 29, 2026 that interchange with other Class I railroads is moving again after a technology outage that began October 27. Dispatching and positive train control stayed up.

    Read More

  28. Baldwin "Baby Face" Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster

    Oct 30, 26 11:01 PM

    nyc-dr441500-3401.jpg
    Baldwin's Babyface cab on the early road diesels: 50 short-cab units, 1946-1948, plus the related Centipede. Construction numbers, specs, and the sharknose that followed.

    Read More

  29. California High-Speed Rail Chief Resigns

    Oct 30, 26 08:36 PM

    san-joq-bridge.jpg
    Ian Choudri resigned October 28, 2026 as chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The board named Joe Stephenshaw interim chief executive.

    Read More

  30. The 1910 Portal Bridge Is Handed Over for Demolition

    Oct 30, 26 04:03 PM

    portal-bridge-demo.jpg
    Amtrak handed the 1910 Portal Bridge over for demolition on October 29, 2026, during the final cutover to Portal North. Regular NJ Transit and Amtrak schedules are expected November 15.

    Read More

  31. Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Review Runs to 2027

    Oct 30, 26 03:59 PM

    up-7663-rb.jpg
    Union Pacific says the Surface Transportation Board's review of the Norfolk Southern merger gathers information through May 28, 2027. A closing still depends on board approval.

    Read More

  32. Amtrak Board Will Hear Restructuring Comments on November 10

    Oct 30, 26 03:41 PM

    amtrk-trn-371-rb.jpg
    Amtrak's board will hear public comments on its restructuring on November 10, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern. Written comments were due October 30. A proposal goes to the board in December.

    Read More

  33. Canadian Pacific Selkirk 5931 Restored in Calgary

    Oct 30, 26 01:36 PM

    cp-5931-palliser.jpg
    Heritage Park in Calgary unveiled a cosmetic restoration of Canadian Pacific 2-10-4 No. 5931 on October 27, 2026. One of two surviving Selkirks. It stays on display.

    Read More

  34. Gettysburg Railway to Host Steam for Lincoln

    Oct 30, 26 01:18 PM

    440-york-17-jw.jpg
    Northern Central Railway of York No. 17 will recreate Lincoln's arrival at Gettysburg on November 18, 2026, with public steam trips November 19-21.

    Read More

  35. NC&StL No. 576 to Steam for the Public in Nashville

    Oct 30, 26 01:00 PM

    ncstl-484-576-alco.jpg
    Nashville Steam will fire NC&StL 4-8-4 No. 576 for the public on November 7, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 220 Willow Street. Admission is free.

    Read More

  36. Pennsylvania Railroad E8s Join the T1 Trust

    Oct 30, 26 12:38 PM

    prr-e8-5761.jpg
    The T1 Trust has acquired former Pennsylvania Railroad E8A diesels 5702A and 5761A from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. They are bound for Cumberland.

    Read More

  37. Ligonier Valley Railroad: History, Roster, Timetable

    Oct 30, 26 12:03 PM

    ligonier-280-594.jpg
    The Ligonier Valley Railroad ran 10.5 miles from Latrobe to Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Opened December 1, 1877. Last day August 31, 1952.

    Read More

  38. Toledo, Peoria & Western Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 30, 26 10:25 AM

    47211399_2027303127561614_7742391129064079360_n.jpg
    Toledo, Peoria & Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. Thirteen Alcos, three Lima-Hamilton switchers, and 26 Electro-Motive units.

    Read More

  39. Toledo, Peoria & Western Steam Roster

    Oct 30, 26 09:14 AM

    tpw-280-10.jpg
    Toledo, Peoria & Western steam locomotives from the Rogers Consolidations of 1895 through the 4-8-4s of 1937

    Read More

  40. Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway: Map, Roster, History

    Oct 29, 26 11:12 PM

    28023048283766152h1j2860287098.jpg
    History of the Toledo, Peoria & Western. The Peoria & Oquawka, George P. McNear, the Santa Fe and Pennsylvania years, and the railroad that came back in 1989.

    Read More

  41. Cotton Belt Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 29, 26 07:58 PM

    12419291241256456126172538656.jpg
    St. Louis Southwestern diesel locomotives, each frame once. Baldwin switchers, F units, and new Cotton Belt-lettered power through the GP60s of May 1990.

    Read More

  42. Cotton Belt Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Oct 29, 26 06:52 PM

    ssw-484-805.jpg
    St. Louis Southwestern steam locomotives built since 1900. Consolidations, Ten-Wheelers, and twenty class L-1 4-8-4s. The quantity column is 297.

    Read More

  43. Cotton Belt Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters

    Oct 29, 26 10:56 AM

    663988500itcnvhgfjwo94857593.jpg
    History of the St. Louis Southwestern, the Cotton Belt Route. The Tyler Tap, Paramore's silver spike, the Thebes Bridge, the Blue Streak, and Southern Pacific control. Steam and diesel rosters are sep…

    Read More

  44. Pere Marquette Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Oct 28, 26 11:54 PM

    1222109095utgklpop0597573892.jpg
    Pere Marquette steam locomotives built since 1900. Consolidations, Mikados, Pacifics, and 39 Berkshires. The quantity column is 503.

    Read More

  45. Pere Marquette Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 28, 26 11:48 PM

    9127348142681257926859027.jpg
    Pere Marquette diesel locomotives, each frame once. Two SW1s, 14 NW2s, three GE 70-tonners, eight E7As, and six BL2s delivered lettered Chesapeake and Ohio. The quantity column is 33.

    Read More

  46. Pere Marquette Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters, History

    Oct 28, 26 11:44 PM

    1010580949utbnnjotop959180993726ye.jpg
    History of the Pere Marquette Railway. Timber roads, the Prince years, the Van Sweringens, the Ludington car ferries, and the Chesapeake and Ohio merger of June 6, 1947.

    Read More

  47. Nickel Plate Road (Railroad): Map, History, Rosters

    Oct 28, 26 10:51 PM

    19058nkplpe870598u1yiu09085.jpg
    History of the Nickel Plate Road, the New York, Chicago and St. Louis. The Seney syndicate, the Van Sweringens, the Berkshires, and the Norfolk and Western absorption at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964…

    Read More

  48. Nickel Plate Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 28, 26 10:48 PM

    q3958712571285236892368937904890.jpg
    Nickel Plate diesel locomotives, each frame once. Alco switchers and PAs, GP7s and GP9s, and the GP30s. The quantity column is 440. The 1950 fleet was 117.

    Read More

  49. Nickel Plate Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Oct 28, 26 10:43 PM

    92384127461234727352786898398788.jpg
    Nickel Plate steam locomotives built since 1900, including the Lake Erie and Western, the Clover Leaf, and the Wheeling engines that took Nickel Plate numbers. The quantity column is 786.

    Read More

  50. EMD "E9" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

    Oct 28, 26 10:37 PM

    GMS4VzFXYAA3SBB.jpg
    EMD E9 cab units and boosters, 2,400 horsepower, built April 1954 through January 1964. Gear ratios, specifications, and the production roster by owner, serial, and order.

    Read More