October
We’re always adding new content to our website! Here’s a sneak peek at a few items coming up soon …
Mind-blowing facts about the GM Aerotrain
By the 1950s it was clear that the passenger train was not the wave of the future. Automobiles and airliners were the next chapter in personal transportation for the United States. In some cases, however, the railroads wanted one more round in the fight to retain and regain passengers. General Motors took up the challenge posed by several railroads to construct a rail passenger vehicle that would be economic both to build and operate. The new vehicle was to be stylish, as well, in an attempt to lure people from the highways and skyways back to the rails.
Bellevue: Norfolk Southern’s Midwest Powerhouse
It’s over 5 miles long.
It’s capable of serving a hundred trains a day.
It’s the center point of five of Norfolk Southern’s busiest lines.
Officially known as Moorman Yard, Norfolk Southern’s Bellevue hump yard is one of the largest in the railroad’s system. Centrally located in the northern Ohio heartland, it’s a linchpin in the NS carload freight network, without which the entire railroad would grind to a halt.
Beyond the byline with Scott Hartley
Scott A. Hartley is a long-time Trains Magazine correspondent. He specializes in technical railroading subjects and preservation. Check out this Q and A with him!
Travel Column: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses magnificent, haunted artifacts
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s world class interpretation of railroading offers one of the most significant and cohesive collections, with superb restoration, and exemplary presentation for public enjoyment and education. Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and located in Strasburg, it’s across the street from the living museum that is the Strasburg Rail Road — the two institutions complement one another.
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UP NEXT: November
The rise of diesel photo charters
From coal to oil to fuel to electric, train photo charters are gaining momentum — there’s no question about it. But what is a photo charter compared to a train excursion? What makes a steam photo charter different from a diesel photo charter? Find out more.
A unique low-emission locomotive
In need of reliable medium-horsepower six-axle road switchers, Union Pacific’s Mike Iden turned to Progress Rail’s EMD subsidiary to rebuild a batch of out-of-service EMD 3,800-hp SD60s into more modern 3,150-hp units with new prime movers for secondary road freights. Twenty-eight — Nos. 9900 to 9927 — were built in the late 2000s. Progress later incorporated the unit into its catalog, calling it the SD32ECO. Then they made a unique low-emission locomotive.
