1. Home
    2.  ›
  2. Fallen Flags
    3.  ›
  3. Southern Pacific
    4.  ›
  4. Steam Roster

Southern Pacific Steam Roster: Post 1900

Published: March 19, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Given its size it's no surprise the "Friendly Service Route" maintained a large and eclectic fleet of steam locomotives. During the 20th century its notable examples via acquisition came from the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway and El Paso & Southwestern Railroad.

The SP also acquired a handful of narrow-gauge systems, most notably the Carson & Colorado and Nevada-California-Oregon Railway. Interestingly, as freight feeders components of these 3-foot lines survived as branches well into the late 20th century.

For most railfans the SP is remembered for its unique "Cab Forward" large articulateds utilized in the tunnels and snowsheds of Donner Pass - as well as along the Modoc Line.

In addition was its large fleet of 4-8-4s; while the streamlined examples for the Daylights are most famous, the railroad's fleet of 81 (including the 11 used on the Cotton Belt) were fine machines which powered numerous passenger trains and fast freights.

Steam on the Espee ended between 1956-1959: according to George Drury's book, "Guide To North American Steam Locomotives: Revised Edition," the last steam-powered freight train occurred on November 30, 1956 while the final such passenger run took place on January 22, 1957.

Finally, the very last steam engine to ever operate in regular service on the railroad was narrow-gauge 4-6-0 #9 - a former Nevada-California-Oregon engine - which ran between Laws and Keeler, California on October 19, 1958.

34692934982375275782689304973908.jpgSouthern Pacific 4-8-8-2 "Cab Forward" #4294 (AC-12) at Colton, California; July, 1951. Today, this locomotive is preserved at the California State Railroad Museum. American-Rails.com collection.

Switchers

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Number(s) Quantity Builder(s) Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
0-6-0 S-19 26-29 4 Schenectady 1901, 1903 1936-1937 ex-San Antonio & Aransas Pass (SA&AP), ex-EP&SW
0-6-0 S-3 45-52 8 Schenectady (Alco) 1899-1900 1930-1947 -
0-6-0 S-5 53-77 25 Baldwin 1902-1903 1939-1941 -
0-6-0 S-7 78-81 4 Schenectady (Alco) 1904 1947-1950 -
0-6-0 S-8 82-102 21 Baldwin 1906-1911 1941-1949 -
0-6-0 S-9 103-110 8 Baldwin 1912 1947-1950 -
0-6-0 S-8 111-116 6 Baldwin 1906-1907 1946-1949 ex-Houston & Texas Central (H&TC)
0-6-0 S-9 117-128 12 Baldwin 1913 1947-1954 -
0-6-0 S-10 129-136 8 Baldwin 1917-1918 1950-1953 -
0-6-0 S-13 137-146 10 Baldwin 1920-1921 1952-1956 -
0-6-0 S-14 147-166 20 Lima, T&NO 1924-1926 1952-1957 -
0-8-0 SE-3 175-186 12 T&NO 1930-1936 1952-1957 -
0-6-0 S-16 1002 1 Baldwin 1903 1935 ex-El Paso & Southwestern
0-6-0 S-16 1003-1014 12 Schenectady (Alco) 1907 1932-1936 ex-El Paso & Southwestern
0-6-0 S-57 1077-1101 25 Baldwin 1901-1902 1932-1940 -
0-6-0 S-22 1100 1 Brooks 1922 1951 ex-South San Francisco Beltline
0-6-0 S-57 1102-1106 5 Baldwin 1903 1934-1938 Equipped with Vanderbilt boilers.
0-6-0 S-57 1107-1111 5 Baldwin 1903 1932-1945 -
0-6-0 S-57 1112-1121 12 Schenectady (Alco) 1904 1935-1952 -
0-6-0 S-51 1122-1194 73 Baldwin, Brooks (Alco) 1906-1911 1939-1951 -
0-6-0 S-51 1195-1209 15 Baldwin 1912 1946-1951 -
0-6-0 S-10 1210-1221 12 Baldwin 1913 1954-1958 -
0-6-0 S-11 1222-1231 10 Lima 1914 1953-1958 -
0-6-0 S-10 1232-1246 15 Baldwin 1918 1953-1957 -
0-6-0 S-12 1247-1284 38 SP 1919-1923 1949-1958 -
0-6-0 S-14 1285-1294 10 Lima 1924 1953-1958 -
0-6-0 S-8 1295-1297 3 Brooks (Alco), Baldwin 1908-1909 1940-1950 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
0-6-0 S-10 1298-1299 2 Baldwin 1917, 1918 1957, 1958 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
0-8-0 SE-2 1301-1306 6 Baldwin 1901, 1903 1935-1950 ex-EP&SW
0-8-0 SE-4 1307-1314 8 SP 1930-1937 1956-1958
0-8-0 SE-2 4500 1 Baldwin 1901 1950 ex-EP&SW
0-8-0 SE-4 4501-4508 8 SP 1930-1937 1956-1958 -
0-8-0 SE-3 4509-4512 4 T&NO 1930, 1936 1956-1958 -
198268271626542g2b2nn2k6o207089.jpgSouthern Pacific 2-6-0 #1760 (Class M-6b) was photographed here by Herb Cearley in its final days of service at Fresno, California during the 1950's. The SP owned hundreds of Moguls dating back to the 19th century with many added to the roster from predecessor railroads. This particular class (M-6b) was all retired by 1958. Author's collection.

Freight Locomotives

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Number(s) Quantity Builder(s) Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
4-6-0 (narrow-gauge) No Class 6, 7 2 Baldwin 1903 1934, 1935 ex-Nevada-California-Oregon Railway
4-6-0 (narrow-gauge) No Class 8, 9, 18 3 Baldwin 1907-1911 1954, 1960, 1955 ex-Nevada-California-Oregon Railway
2-6-0 M-4 410-459 50 Schenectady (Alco), Cooke (Alco) 1899-1901 1934-1955 -
2-6-0 M-7 460-469 10 Baldwin 1902 1928-1929 A Vauclain compound equipped with a Vanderbilt boiler.
2-6-0 M-20 481 1 Baldwin 1908 1953 ex-Dayton & Goose Creek Railway
2-6-0 M-6 482-485 4 Baldwin 1903 1947-1953 -
2-6-0 M-17 495 1 Baldwin 1905 1946 ex-SA&AP
2-6-0 M-18 496 1 Lima 1911 1932 ex-SA&AP
2-6-0 M-19 497-499 3 Baldwin 1911 1932, 1946 -
2-6-0 M-21 520-529 10 T&NO 1928-1930 1950-1954 ex-H&TC
2-6-0 M-11 500-514 15 Baldwin 1912 1952-1957 -
2-6-0 M-6 515-517 3 Baldwin 1903 1947-1953 -
2-6-0 M-9 550-556 7 Brooks (Alco) 1908 1948-1955 ex-H&TC
2-6-0 M-10 560-565 6 Baldwin 1909 1947-1953 ex-H&TC
2-8-2 Mk-5 738-794 57 T&NO, Baldwin, Brooks (Alco) 1913-1921 1953-1957 -
2-8-0 C-8 800-807 8 Baldwin 1904 1950-1955 -
2-8-0 C-9 808-857 50 Baldwin, Brooks (Alco) 1905-1908 1946-1958 -
2-8-0 C-20 867-869 3 Cooke (Alco) 1921 1953-1955 ex-SA&AP
2-8-0 C-21 870 1 Lima 1909 1953-1955 ex-SA&AP
2-8-0 C-22 871-876 6 Pittsburgh (Alco) 1900 1936-1947 ex-SA&AP
2-8-0 C-23 877-884 8 Baldwin 1913 1939-1957 ex-SA&AP
2-8-0 C-24 885-894 10 Lima 1913 1935-1955 ex-SA&AP
2-8-0 C-25 895, 896 2 Schenectady (Alco) 1913 1957, 1956 ex-Texas Midland Railroad
2-10-0 D-1 897-899 3 Baldwin 1903 1934, 1937 ex-SA&AP
2-6-6-2 MM-1 900-911 12 Baldwin 1910 1929-1930 Formerly 950-961.
2-10-2 F-1, F-4, F-5 900-999 (not sequential) 83 Baldwin, Brooks (Alco) 1917-1924 1953-1957 Transferred from the Pacific Lines.
2-6-0 M-4 1615-1719 103 Schenectady (Alco), Cooke (Alco) 1899-1901 1932-1957 -
2-6-0 M-7 1720-1724 5 Baldwin 1901 1934-1954 A Vauclain compound design equipped with a Vanderbilt boiler.
2-6-0 M-6 1725-1769 45 Baldwin 1901 1934-1958 A Vauclain compound design.
2-6-0 M-7 1770-1779 10 Baldwin 1902 1954-1958 A Vauclain compound design equipped with a Vanderbilt boiler.
2-6-0 M-6 1780-1802 23 Baldwin 1902-1903 1939-1958 A Vauclain compound design.
2-6-0 M-6 1803 1 Baldwin 1902 1953 ex-Cananea, Río Yaqui y Pacífico
2-6-0 M-9 1804-1818 15 Brooks (Alco) 1908 1934-1958 -
2-6-0 M-9 1819-1822 4 Baldwin 1909 1950-1953 -
2-6-0 M-6 1823-1825 3 SP 1917, 1918 1946-1957 -
2-6-0 M-9 1826, 1827 2 SP 1918 1952, 1953 -
2-6-0 M-9 1828-1830 3 Brooks (Alco) 1908 1950-1954 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
2-6-0 M-11 1831-1836 6 Baldwin 1909 1949-1956 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
2-6-2 Pr-1 1900-1903 4 Baldwin 1902 1932-1935 ex-EP&SW
2-6-2 Pr-2 1904-1905 2 Baldwin 1904 1935, 1932 -
2-8-0 C-32 2500 1 Baldwin 1906 1948 ex-Nacozari Railroad
2-8-0 C-13 2501 1 Lima 1905 1925 ex-Salem, Falls City & Western (SCF&W)
2-8-0 C-11 2502 1 Schenectady (Alco) 1904 1934 ex-Butte County Railroad
2-8-0 C-12 2503 1 Baldwin 1902 1936 ex-Butte County Railroad
2-8-0 C-15 2505-2508 4 Baldwin 1900 1939-1950 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-15 2509 1 Baldwin 1901 1923 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-17 2510-2511 2 Baldwin 1902, 1905 1949 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-9 2513-2599 87 Baldwin 1906-1907 1949-1958 -
2-8-0 C-3 2606-2611 6 Schenectady (Alco) 1900 1935-1951 A cross-compound design.
2-8-0 C-4 2612-2623 12 Schenectady (Alco) 1901 1935-1957 A cross-compound design.
2-8-0 C-5 2624-2677 54 Baldwin 1901-1903 1934-1953 A Vauclain compound design.
2-8-0 C-5 2678-2693 16 Baldwin 1903-1904 1935-1952 -
2-8-0 C-8 2694-2751 58 Baldwin 1904 1952-1958 -
2-8-0 C-9 2752-2830 79 Baldwin 1905-1908 1951-1958 -
2-8-0 C-10 2831-2838 8 Baldwin 1911 1952-1958 -
2-8-0 C-10 2839-2857 19 SP 1917-1919 1949-1958 -
2-8-0 C-9 2858-2860 3 Brooks (Alco) 1908 1953-1954 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
2-8-0 C-11 2861-2864 4 Baldwin 1920-1921 1958 ex-SSW
2-8-0 C-12 2865-2868 4 Baldwin 1923 1958 ex-SSW
2-8-2 Mk-2 3200-3215 16 Baldwin 1911 1934-1956 -
2-8-2 Mk-4 3216-3240 25 Baldwin 1913 1934-1956 -
2-8-2 Mk-5 3236-3249 14 Baldwin 1913 1951-1956 -
2-8-2 Mk-5 3270-3277 8 Baldwin, Lima 1913-1917 1952-1956 -
2-8-2 Mk-6 3250-3269 20 Lima 1914 1951-1957 -
2-8-2 Mk-10 3295-3296 2 Brooks (Alco) 1923 1953 ex-Minarets & Western Railway
2-8-2 Mk-11 3297-3298 2 Brooks (Alco) 1914 1953, 1954 ex-Chicago & Illinois Midland
2-8-2 Mk-7 3300-3309 10 Schenectady (Alco) 1913, 1916 1950-1954 ex-EP&SW
2-8-2 Mk-8 3310-3314 5 Schenectady (Alco) 1918 1951-1954 ex-EP&SW
2-8-2 Mk-9 3315-3324 10 Schenectady (Alco) 1920 1950-1955 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-18 3400-3409 10 Baldwin 1902, 1903 1932-1959 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-19 3410-3426 17 Baldwin 1904 1934-1959 ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-20 3440-3444 5 Baldwin 1906 1951 (sold) ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-21 3445-3449 5 Baldwin 1906-1907 1951 (sold) ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-22 3452-3469 18 Schenectady (Alco) 1907 1951 (sold) ex-EP&SW
2-8-0 C-23 3450-3451 2 Schenectady (Alco) 1907 1951 (sold) ex-EP&SW
2-8-4 B-1 3500-3509 10 Lima 1928 1950-1951 ex-Boston & Maine
2-10-2 F-2 3600 1 Brooks (Alco) 1918 Transferred to the T&NO in 1946. -
2-10-2 F-1 3601-3652 52 Brooks (Alco), Baldwin 1917, 1919 1952-1958 -
2-10-2 F-3 3653-3667 15 Baldwin 1921 1952-1958 -
2-10-2 F-4 3668-3717 50 Baldwin 1922 1951-1958 -
2-10-2 F-5 3718-3768 51 Baldwin 1923-1924 1949-1956 Most examples later transferred to the T&NO.
2-10-2 F-6 3769 1 Baldwin 1924 1955 -
4-10-2 SP-1 5000-5015 16 Schenectady (Alco) 1925 1951-1954 -
4-10-2 SP-2 5016-5038 23 Schenectady (Alco) 1926 1953-1955 -
4-10-2 SP-3 5039-5048 10 Schenectady (Alco) 1927 1953-1954 -
2971276127356128372198209858723697.jpgOne of Southern Pacific's workhorse 2-8-0s, #2514 (C-9), is seen here in Los Angeles during the 1950s. Mac Owen collection.

Passenger Locomotives

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Number(s) Quantity Builder(s) Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
4-4-0 E-23 261-265 5 Cooke (Alco) 1900 1941-1951 -
4-4-0 E-39 205-209 5 Baldwin 1924 1946 ex-SA&AP
4-4-0 E-40 220-223 4 Baldwin 1922 1947, 1954 ex-SA&AP
4-4-0 E-41 224 1 Baldwin 1921 1946 ex-Dayton & Goose Creek
4-4-2 A-2 285-288 4 Baldwin 1903 1921 A Vauclain compound design.
4-4-2 A-3 289-292 4 Schenectady (Alco), Baldwin 1904 1932 -
4-6-0 T-28 700-711 12 Brooks (Alco), Baldwin 1908, 1911 1954-1955 -
4-6-0 T-38 369-374 6 Baldwin 1907-1908 1930-1937 ex-SA&AP
4-6-2 P-5 600-609 10 Baldwin 1912 1952-1957 Formerly 900-909.
4-6-2 P-6 610-621 12 Brooks (Alco) 1913 1952-1954 Formerly 920-931.
4-6-2 P-9 622-630 1 Baldwin 1923 1953-1955 -
4-6-2 P-13 631-633 3 Baldwin 1928 1954-1955 -
4-6-2 P-14 650-652 3 Brooks (Alco) 1913 1954-1955 Formerly 2455-2457
4-8-4 GS-1 700-703 4 Baldwin 1930 1954-1956 -
4-4-0 E-23 1445-1458 14 Cooke (Alco) 1900 1932-1945 -
4-4-0 E-27 1526-1540 15 Baldwin 1911 1934 -
4-6-0 T-35 2101 1 Schenectady (Alco) 1900 1926 ex-EP&SW
4-6-0 T-36 2102-2104 3 Manchester Locomotive Works (Alco) 1902 1934-1947 ex-EP&SW
4-6-0 T-37 2105, 2106 2 Rhode Island (Alco) 1903 1952, 1951 ex-EP&SW
4-6-0 T-25 2274-2281 8 Cooke (Alco) 1901 1926-1934 -
4-6-0 T-26 2283-2300 18 Baldwin 1901 1934-1951 A Vauclain compound design.
4-6-0 T-27 2282 1 Baldwin 1900 1928 A Camelback design.
4-6-0 T-23 2301-2310 10 Baldwin 1903 1949-1954 -
4-6-0 T-28 2311-2352 42 Baldwin 1907-1911 1949-1957 -
4-6-0 T-31 2353-2362 10 Baldwin 1912 1953-1957 -
4-6-0 T-32 2363-2370 8 Brooks 1913 1953-1956 -
4-6-0 T-32 2371-2384 14 SP 1917-1920 1952-1957 -
4-6-0 T-57 2385 1 Baldwin 1906 - ex-Bullfrog Goldfield Railroad
4-6-0 T-58 2386 1 Baldwin 1907 - ex-Las Vegas & Tonopah
4-6-2 P-1 2400-2427 28 Baldwin 1904-1907 1934-1954 Nine examples were later rebuilt as Class P-4.
4-6-2 P-3 2428-2437 10 Baldwin 1911 1947-1954 -
4-6-2 P-5 2438-2452 15 Baldwin 1912 1947-1953 -
4-6-2 P-6 2453-2458 6 Brooks (Alco) 1913 1955-1957 -
4-6-2 P-3 2459, 2460 2 SP 1917, 1918 1952, 1948 -
4-6-2 P-8 2461-2475 15 Baldwin 1921 1953-1958 -
4-6-2 P-7 2476-2477 2 Lima 1917 1958 ex-Arizona Eastern Railroad
4-6-2 P-10 2478-2491 14 Baldwin 1923-1924 1954-1958 -
4-4-2 A-1 3000-3015 16 Baldwin 1902 1922-1925 A Vauclain compound design.
4-4-2 A-6 3000-3003 4 SP 1927-1928 1948-1952 Rebuilt from Class A-3.
4-4-2 A-2 3016-3024 9 Baldwin 1903 1915-1918 A Vauclain compound design equipped with a Vanderbilt boiler.
4-4-2 A-3 3025-3071 47 Schenectady (Alco), Baldwin, Brooks (Alco) 1904-1908 1932-1952 -
4-4-2 A-5 3072-3074 3 Baldwin 1911 1935 -
4-6-2 P-11 3100-3109 10 Baldwin 1907 1939-1950 ex-EP&SW
4-6-2 P-12 3120-3129 10 Brooks (Alco) 1917 1947-1953 -
4-8-2 Mt-1 4300-4327 28 Schenectady (Alco) 1923-1924 1952-1957 -
4-8-2 Mt-2 4385-4390 6 Brooks (Alco) 1924 1951, 1953 -
4-8-2 Mt-3 4328-4345 18 SP 1925-1926 1953-1958 -
4-8-2 Mt-4 4346-4366 21 SP 1926-1929 1953-1958 -
4-8-2 Mt-5 4367-4376 10 SP 1929-1930 1953-1958 -
4-8-4 GS-1 4400-4409 10 Baldwin 1930 1954-1957 -
4-8-4 GS-2 4410-4415 6 Lima 1936 1954-1958 -
4-8-4 GS-3 4416-4424 9 Lima 1937 1954-1958 -
4-8-4 GS-4 4430-4457 28 Lima 1941-1942 1956-1958 -
4-8-4 GS-5 4458-4459 2 Lima 1942 1958, 1956 Equipped with roller bearings.
4-8-4 GS-6 4460-4469 10 Lima 1943 1954-1958 -
4-8-4 GS-7 4475-4481 7 Baldwin 1930 1955-1957 ex-SSW
4-8-4 GS-8 4485-4488 4 SSW 1937, 1942 1956, 1958 -
30002884510098u81045837x98.jpgOnly a year old, Southern Pacific 2-8-8-4 #3800 (AC-9) steams westbound with a 70-car manifest outside of Tucumcari, New Mexico on May 11, 1940. Richard Kindig photo.

Articulated Designs

Wheel Arrangement Class Road Number(s) Quantity Builder(s) Completion Date Retirement Date Notes
2-8-8-4 AC-9 3800-3811 12 Lima 1939 1953-1956 A standard Yellowstone design.
4-6-6-2 ("Cab Forward") MM-2 3900-3911 12 Baldwin 1911 1946-1948 Originally built as 2-6-6-2s.
2-6-6-2 MM-3 3930-3931 2 Schenectady (Alco) 1920 1954, 1951 ex-Verde Tunnel & Smelter Railroad Company
2-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") MC-1 4000-4001 2 Baldwin 1909 1948-1949 Later rebuilt as Class AC-1.
2-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") MC-2 4002-4016 15 Baldwin 1909 1935-1949 Later rebuilt as Class AC-1.
2-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") MC-4 4017-4028 12 Baldwin 1911 1935-1948 Later rebuilt as Class AC-2.
2-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") MC-6 4029-4048 20 Baldwin 1912-1913 1936-1949 Later rebuilt as Class AC-3.
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-4 4100-4109 10 Baldwin 1929 1953-1955 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-5 4110-4125 16 Baldwin 1929 1952-1955 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-6 4126-4150 25 Baldwin 1930 1953-1955 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-7 4151-4176 26 Baldwin 1937 1954-1958 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-8 4177-4204 28 Baldwin 1939 1954-1958 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-10 4205-4244 40 Baldwin 1942 1955-1958 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-11 4245-4274 30 Baldwin 1942-1943 1954-1958 -
4-8-8-2 ("Cab Forward") AC-12 4275-4294 20 Baldwin 1943-1944 1955-1958 -

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Northern Pacific 4-6-0 No. 1364 Returns To Life

    Feb 24, 26 11:12 AM

    The whistle of Northern Pacific steam returned to the Yakima Valley in a big way this month as Northern Pacific 4-6-0 No. 1364 moved under its own power for the first time in 73 years.

    Read More

  2. CSX’s 2025 Santa Train: 83 Years of Holiday Cheer

    Feb 24, 26 10:38 AM

    98654de2w54787878434567.jpg
    On Saturday, November 22, 2025, CSX’s iconic Santa Train completed its 83rd annual run, again turning a working freight railroad into a rolling holiday tradition for communities across central Appalac…

    Read More

  3. Alabama Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 24, 26 09:25 AM

    1249781235723587298382906986.jpg
    There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway!

    Read More

  4. Rhode Island Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 24, 26 09:21 AM

    9127341246125828753263582539866.jpg
    Let's dive into the enigmatic world of murder mystery dinner train rides in Rhode Island, where each journey promises excitement, laughter, and a challenge for your inner detective.

    Read More

  5. Virginia Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 24, 26 09:20 AM

    1897247146124712579892586806.webp
    Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration.

    Read More

  6. Tennessee Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 24, 26 09:17 AM

    918274317624612642613578269677.jpg
    One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.

    Read More

  7. Southeast Wisconsin Eyes New Lakeshore Passenger Rail Link

    Feb 23, 26 11:26 PM

    3220572348ihvnwiwlwpp8iw24o2806.jpg
    Leaders in southeastern Wisconsin took a formal first step in December 2025 toward studying a new passenger-rail service that could connect Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Chicago.

    Read More

  8. MBTA Sees Over 29 Million Trips in 2025

    Feb 23, 26 11:14 PM

    812436162461257587966.jpg
    In a milestone year for regional public transit, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) reported that its Commuter Rail network handled more than 29 million individual trips during 2025…

    Read More

  9. Historic Blizzard Paralyzes the U.S. Northeast, Halts Rail Traffic

    Feb 23, 26 05:10 PM

    A powerful winter blizzard sweeping the northeastern United States on Monday, February 23, 2026, has brought transportation networks to a near standstill.

    Read More

  10. Mt. Rainier Railroad Moves to Buy Tacoma’s Mountain Division

    Feb 23, 26 02:27 PM

    9434586220_7d5d8b9d9b_b.jpg
    A long-idled rail corridor that threads through the foothills of Mount Rainier could soon have a new owner and operator.

    Read More

  11. BNSF Activates PTC on Former Montana Rail Link Territory

    Feb 23, 26 01:15 PM

    610293uquoo82099021030.jpg
    BNSF Railway has fully implemented Positive Train Control (PTC) on what it now calls the Montana Rail Link (MRL) Subdivision.

    Read More

  12. Cincinnati Scenic Railway To Acquire B&O GP30

    Feb 23, 26 12:17 PM

    91238712842173572983168216389696.jpg
    The Cincinnati Scenic Railway, through an agreement with the Raritan Central Railway, to acquire former B&O GP30 #6923, currently lettered as RCRY #5.

    Read More

  13. Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR

    Feb 23, 26 11:54 AM

    53474178651_c6a609e2e8_k.jpg
    Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in.

    Read More

  14. Iowa Dinner Train Rides On The B&SV

    Feb 23, 26 11:53 AM

    u7124341236164887189767357.jpg
    If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boon…

    Read More

  15. North Carolina Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 23, 26 11:48 AM

    1i823123412536152478192598756.jpg
    A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine!

    Read More

  16. Nevada Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 23, 26 11:43 AM

    8330755849_7f68f6e0b6_o.jpg
    While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway.

    Read More

  17. Reading & Northern Surpasses 1M Tons Of Coal For 3rd Year

    Feb 22, 26 11:57 PM

    33674565541_cfbbccd829_k.jpg
    Reading & Northern Railroad (R&N), the largest privately owned railroad in Pennsylvania, has shipped more than one million tons of Anthracite coal for the third straight year. This was an impressive f…

    Read More

  18. Minnesota's Northstar Commuter Rail Ends Service

    Feb 22, 26 11:43 PM

    12342164126348239857823597826807.jpg
    Metro Transit has confirmed that Northstar service between downtown Minneapolis (Target Field Station) and Big Lake has ceased, with expanded bus service along the corridor beginning Jan. 5, 2026.

    Read More

  19. Tri-Rail Sets New Ridership Record in 2025

    Feb 22, 26 11:24 PM

    1827312653512354125728358969667.jpg
    South Florida’s commuter rail service Tri-Rail has achieved a new annual ridership milestone, carrying more than 4.5 million passengers in calendar year 2025.

    Read More

  20. CSX Completes Major Upgrades at Willard Yard

    Feb 22, 26 11:14 PM

    12947128721356237889606066.jpg
    In a significant boost to freight rail operations in the Midwest, CSX Transportation announced in January that it has finished a comprehensive series of infrastructure improvements at its Willard Yard…

    Read More

  21. New Hampshire Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 22, 26 09:39 AM

    8176125318759762934646.jpg
    This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.

    Read More

  22. New Jersey Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 22, 26 09:37 AM

    91872372141281598657866.jpg
    If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other.

    Read More

  23. Nevada Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 22, 26 09:36 AM

    6169506375_2b49d6078c_o.jpg
    Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart.

    Read More

  24. West Virginia Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 22, 26 09:34 AM

    1294712732153i21u571635879866.jpg
    For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience.

    Read More

  25. New York Central 4-8-2 #3001 To Be Restored

    Feb 22, 26 12:29 AM

    1872471264123426472898692777.jpg
    New York Central 4-8-2 No. 3001—an L-3a “Mohawk”—is the centerpiece of a major operational restoration effort being led by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) and its American Locomotiv…

    Read More

  26. Norfolk Southern To Buy 40 New Wabtec ES44ACs

    Feb 21, 26 11:52 PM

    861523512531627468725896897.jpg
    Norfolk Southern has announced it will acquire 40 brand-new Wabtec ES44AC locomotives, marking the Class I railroad’s first purchase of new locomotives since 2022.

    Read More

  27. CPKC To Buy 65 New Progress Rail SD70ACe-T4s

    Feb 21, 26 11:28 PM

    871237124652176872935926867.jpg
    Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is moving to refresh and expand its road fleet with a new-build order from Progress Rail, announcing an agreement for 65 EMD SD70ACe-T4 Tier 4 diesel-electric freig…

    Read More

  28. Ohio Rail Commission Approves Two Projects

    Feb 21, 26 11:09 PM

    98125352135126472587667.jpg
    At its January 22 bi-monthly meeting, the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved grant funding for two rail infrastructure projects that together will yield nearly $400,000 in investment to improve…

    Read More

  29. CSX Completes Avon Yard Hump Lead Extension

    Feb 21, 26 03:38 PM

    13415955794_9b37879bbf_k.jpg
    CSX says it has finished a key infrastructure upgrade at its Avon Yard in Indianapolis, completing the “cutover” of a newly extended hump lead that the railroad expects will improve yard fluidity.

    Read More

  30. Pinsly Restores Freight Service On Alabama Short Line

    Feb 21, 26 12:55 PM

    8176316243645278967.jpg
    After more than a year without trains, freight rail service has returned to a key industrial corridor in southern Alabama.

    Read More

  31. Phoenix City Council Pulls the Plug on Capitol Light Rail Extension

    Feb 21, 26 12:19 PM

    In a pivotal decision that marks a dramatic shift in local transportation planning, the Phoenix City Council voted to end the long-planned Capitol light rail extension project.

    Read More

  32. Norfolk Southern Unveils Advanced Wheel Integrity System

    Feb 21, 26 11:06 AM

    39826729102_bb5ce95bc3_k.jpg
    In a bid to further strengthen rail safety and defect detection, Norfolk Southern Railway has introduced a cutting-edge Wheel Integrity System, marking what the Class I carrier calls a significant bre…

    Read More

  33. CPKC Sets New January Grain-Haul Record

    Feb 21, 26 10:31 AM

    817231624512758796788.jpg
    Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) says it has opened 2026 with a new benchmark in Canadian grain transportation, announcing that the railway moved a record volume of grain and grain products in Janu…

    Read More

  34. New Documentary Charts Iowa Interstate's History

    Feb 21, 26 12:40 AM

    54474728402_0c3fa7d072_k.jpg
    A newly released documentary is shining a spotlight on one of the Midwest’s most distinctive regional railroads: the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS).

    Read More

  35. LA Metro’s A Line Extension Study Forecasts $1.1B in Economic Output

    Feb 21, 26 12:38 AM

    The next eastern push of LA Metro’s A Line—extending light-rail service beyond Pomona to Claremont—has gained fresh momentum amid new economic analysis projecting more than $1.1 billion in economic ou…

    Read More

  36. Age of Steam Acquires B&LE 2-10-4 No. 643 (2025)

    Feb 21, 26 12:33 AM

    88162351253126478592698766.jpg
    When the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum rolled out B&LE 2-10-4 No. 643 for public viewing in 2025, it wasn’t simply a new exhibit debuting under roof—it was the culmination of one of preservation’s lo…

    Read More

  37. NCDOT Study: Restoring Asheville Passenger Rail Offers Economic Lift

    Feb 21, 26 12:26 AM

    14366935174_06e5ab6eaf_h.jpg
    A revived passenger rail connection between Salisbury and Asheville could do far more than bring trains back to the mountains for the first time in decades could offer considerable economic benefits.

    Read More

  38. Brightline Unveils ‘Freedom Express’ To Commemorate America’s 250th

    Feb 20, 26 11:36 AM

    america250-2.jpg
    Brightline, the privately operated passenger railroad based in Florida, this week unveiled its new Freedom Express train to honor the nation's 250th anniversary.

    Read More

  39. Age of Steam Roundhouse Adds C&O No. 1308

    Feb 20, 26 10:53 AM

    C&O_1308.jpg
    In late September 2025, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, announced it had acquired Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1308.

    Read More

  40. Reading & Northern Announces 2026 Excursions

    Feb 20, 26 10:08 AM

    53651340961_67aafec55c_o.jpg
    Immediately upon the conclusion of another record-breaking year of ridership in 2025, the Reading & Northern Passenger Department has already begun its 2026 schedule of all-day rail excursion.

    Read More

  41. Siemens Mobility Tapped To Modernize Tri-Rail Fleet

    Feb 20, 26 09:47 AM

    128742174162578921538723679266.jpg
    South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter service is preparing for a significant motive-power upgrade after the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) announced it has selected Siemens Mobili…

    Read More

  42. Reading T-1 No. 2100 Restoration Progress

    Feb 20, 26 09:36 AM

    9172471247217162461264789859260698.jpg
    One of the most famous survivors of Reading Company’s big, fast freight-era steam—4-8-4 T-1 No. 2100—is inching closer to an operating debut after a restoration that has stretched across a decade and…

    Read More

  43. C&O Kanawha No. 2716: A Third Chance at Steam

    Feb 20, 26 09:32 AM

    02934-928472735yi328509768079089.jpg
    In the world of large, mainline-capable steam locomotives, it’s rare for any one engine to earn a third operational career. Yet that is exactly the goal for Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2716.

    Read More

  44. Missouri Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 20, 26 09:29 AM

    192874124126541624612998783526.jpg
    The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences.

    Read More

  45. Minnesota Wine Tasting Train Rides

    Feb 20, 26 09:26 AM

    981724151256765123518759865986.jpg
    This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure.

    Read More

  46. Kansas Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 20, 26 09:23 AM

    o5534576674321qwasdre5465.jpg
    Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains.

    Read More

  47. Florida Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 20, 26 09:20 AM

    w9r587285178598269837897898908.jpg
    Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains.

    Read More

  48. NC&StL “Dixie” No. 576 Nears Steam Again

    Feb 20, 26 09:15 AM

    1723871247621579239607787.jpg
    One of the South’s most famous surviving mainline steam locomotives is edging closer to doing what it hasn’t done since the early 1950s, operate under its own power.

    Read More

  49. Frisco 2-10-0 No. 1630 Continues Overhaul

    Feb 19, 26 03:58 PM

    91283127631524178986788.jpg
    In late April 2025, the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) made a difficult but safety-minded call: sideline its famed St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco) 2-10-0 No. 1630.

    Read More

  50. PennDOT Pushes Forward Scranton–New York Passenger Rail Plan

    Feb 19, 26 12:14 PM

    35922773023662302436.jpg
    Pennsylvania’s long-discussed idea of restoring passenger trains between Scranton and New York City is moving into a more formal planning phase.

    Read More