Spring 2020

Dieselization: The greatest change in 20th century railroading had profound effects on carriers, suppliers, and employees

Line abandonments: From a peak of 254,000 miles in 1916, rail routes fell by more than half

Unit trains: A 1959 ICC decision led to more traffic, moved at lower rates

Passenger terminals: Great stations rose as the rail industry neared its peak

Freight cars: Large, specialized freight cars helped the industry win traffic and carry record tonnages

Mergers: Corporate consolidations changed the landscape of the industry after World War II

Centralized traffic control: How a 1920s innovation became part of railroading’s bedrock

Regulation: Government oversight stifled competition — and promoted safety — for almost a century

Super Power steam: How a small locomotive builder developed a winning formula for the future

Powder River coal: Demand for low-sulfur coal was a bonanza for Western railroads

Passenger rail’s decline: Railroads saw their virtual monopoly on intercity travel evaporate in the face of automobile and airline competition

Rise of railfan culture: In 1940, a new magazine emerged as a forum for railfans who took pictures of trains

Shopmen’s Strike of 1922: A widespread job action left a positive legacy

Warbonnet paint scheme: Santa Fe’s Warbonnet is an industry icon

Railroads rebuild: Railroads upgraded their 19th century plant to handle 20th century traffic

Intermodal freight: Railroads regained traffic lost to trucks by hauling trailers and containers

Multi-level passenger cars: Innovative car designs added new dimensions to rail travel

Labor productivity: Aided by technological advances and sensible work agreements, growth in rail labor productivity has been continual

Passenger rail’s renaissance: What and who helped bring back passenger rail

Demise of the depot: Once the center of small town life, country depots gradually faded from the scene