Classic Trains Archives - Page 29 of 252

Track ballast Down below the trains, below the rails, the tie plates, and the ties, is a lowly yet vital component of railroading — track ballast. While ballast may not be at the top of anyone’s list of rail topics, it’s literally part of the foundation of railroads, and it can comprise more than 80% […]

The General

An ornate, old-fashioned black-and-red 4-4-0 steam locomotive smokes on a wood trestle

[…]

The Virginia City embodies the legacy of Beebe and Clegg

I’ve never been in the market for a private railroad car — editors and writers rarely ascend to that rarified air — but if I was, I’d compose an email this very moment and send it to the equipment broker Ozark Mountain Railcar, there to bid on what might be the ultimate PV: heavyweight sleeper-observation […]

Vanderbilt tender

A Southern Pacific 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive with a Vanderbilt oil tender is seen in a 1916 builder’s photo

[…]

Soo Line Mikado 1003

[…]

Baltimore & Ohio Geep

A blue-and-yellow Electro-Motive Division GP7 diesel locomotive is seen in 3/4 angle

[…]

Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons: ‘Super’ 4-6-4s

Smoking Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons steam locomotive with train

Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons had an impact on the railroad much larger than their class size would indicate. Mention the Hudson steam locomotive and the name “Santa Fe” likely won’t come up right away. To be sure, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway’s roster was light on 4-6-4s, just 16 of them. And they […]

The Southern Pacific Daylight passenger trains

Orange and red streamlined steam locomotive on passenger train

When first introduced, the Southern Pacific Daylight passenger trains shined through the dark days of the Great Depression. From the Pacific coast of California to the Heartland of Texas, learn which services flashed in the distinctive red and orange color scheme. Coast Daylight It’s easy to forget that the name “Daylight” already graced the SP […]

Stop that train: Railroading is violent business

Railroading Railroading is violent business. Freight cars coupling sound like small explosions, diesel engines reverberate like distant thunder, and horns at grade crossings are so loud that even deaf people can feel them. So, with all of this violent sound going on, how do you get the attention of a railroader at work? Use more […]