Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 5 | Painting a horse figure

As the Sidetrack Series trots along, David shares his technique for painting the ponies. But following his savvy advice, he begins by decorating the details (harness, hitch, etc.). After painting the body and other fine features, David then demonstrates how to give the steed a suitable, well-weathered appearance. But don’t hitch your horse to this […]

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Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2816 to pull public excursion

Three-quarter shot of 4-6-4 steam locomotive with maroon trim and tender

SILVIS, Ill. — Railroading Heritage of Midwest America and the Central States Steam Preservation Association announced today that Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2816 will pull a public excursion June 29 on the Iowa Interstate Railroad. According to the two sponsors, the trip is being run as an educational fundraiser to promote railroad safety. The train […]

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Pair of Berkshires build on 2024’s must-see big steam

People gather around a steam locomotive during an event

FORT WAYNE, Ind., and OWOSSO, Mich. — Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2816 has been a recent showstopper during its epic CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour from Canada to the U.S. and Mexico. But with summer closing in, expect more locomotives to take center stage as part of 2024’s must-see big steam, including a pair of […]

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CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour | Upper Midwest Chase

The chase is on! Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2816 is on an epic journey from Canada to the U.S. to Mexico – all to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the CPKC railroad! After the vintage locomotive steamed crossed the U.S. border, Trains.com staff members (Lucas Iverson, Bryson Sleppy, Sean Kirby, and others) were there to […]

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Rock Island locomotives remembered

Maroon Rock Island locomotives on freight train

Rock Island locomotives displayed a remarkable lack of diversity in the steam era. In contrast, during the diesel era, the Rock hardly met a locomotive model it didn’t like. In the 20th century, the Rock made heavy use of the 0-6-0 (171), 2-8-0 (562), 2-8-2 (234), 4-6-0 (242), and 4-6-2 (175), types. Perhaps the best-remembered […]

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Patriot Rail donates vintage parts, machinery to Kentucky Steam

Boxes on shelves

IRVINE, Ky. — Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. has received a donation of vintage parts and equipment valued at well over $200,000 from Patriot Rail to aid the non-profit organization’s restoration of C&O 2-8-4 No. 2716 and stock the group’s locomotive shop. The donation includes some 37,000 pounds of parts, tools, and supplies from a Patriot […]

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T1 Trust shows frame and drivers; K4s 1361 tender painted

Steam engine wheels and frame on truck trailer

ALTOONA, Pa. — Milestones of progress on two Pennsylvania Railroad steam-locomotive projects were unveiled at last week’s 56th annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society. The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust brought the frame and four drivers for its 21st-century recreation of the PRR T1 class of 100-mph streamlined 4-4-4-4 passenger […]

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News photos: CP 2816 impresses in Iowa

Steam engine surrounded by people parked under pedestrian bridge

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Canadian Pacific Kansas City obviously won many fans, especially young visitors, during its three-hour display of the Final Spike Steam Tour train at Davenport’s Quinlan Court riverfront park on Friday, May 10, 2024. The display featuring 4-6-4 No. 2816, known as “the Empress” was free to the public, with many visitors walking […]

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CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour | Canada into U.S.

Welcome to Canada! It’s April 26th, 2024, and Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2816 is on its way to Mexico. The preserved vintage steam locomotive is on a public relations tour to celebrate the one year anniversary of the merger between the Canadian Pacific and the Kansas City Southern to create the CPKC railroad, operating a […]

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