Western Maryland Scenic Railroad honors Jack Showalter

Nose of black steam locomotive and train coming around a bend

CUMBERLAND, Md. – On Friday, May 6, before the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s first 2022 public excursion behind Baldwin 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, the railroad celebrated the life of steam railroading luminary, Jack Showalter. Inside the former Western Maryland Railway’s Cumberland station, officials and guests saluted the people behind No. 1309’s recent restoration, and shared memories […]

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Hudson at Harmon

New York Central Railroad

New York Central J-1 4-6-4 5249 eases off the turntable at Harmon, N.Y., the point 33 miles up the Hudson River from Grand Central Terminal where for decades NYC exchanged steam for electric locomotives. Ed Nowak photo […]

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End of the line for a Southern 2-8-8-2

Southern Railway

Southern Railway 2-8-8-2 4021, running boards and driving wheels trimmed in white, looks sharp at Appalachia, Va., on the afternoon of May 27, 1952. But a close look reveals that her main rods have been taken down in preparation for being hauled away for scrap. Ed Theisinger photo […]

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Fall for 1309 event sold out, more photo events available

Predawn light illuminates the large plume as steam engine pulls train

Trains Magazine and Western Maryland Scenic will be hosting 60 guests at its sold-out event Nov. 4-6, 2022, to welcome back the last Baldwin-built steam locomotive made for the USA. The world’s largest operating Mallet will perform for guests for three days in its first fall photographers’ event. The event will include a program on […]

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Union Pacific Challenger ruled the Overland Route

Steam locomotive with freight train on curve

Union Pacific Challenger: Railroad slogans are one of the industry’s lost arts. The old ad men and promoters who came up with them were geniuses. Remember when phrases like Water Level Route or Main Line of Mid-America told you so much about a particular railroad? The best ones spoke of far-flung places, and how to […]

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New England fall color featured in new ‘Trains’ tour

People standing trackside near diesel locomotive

The combination of classic railroading and spectacular regional autumn color will be featured in “New England Fall Colors by Rail,” an eight-day, seven-night tour sponsored by Trains magazine and scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2022. Hosted by former Trains Editor Kevin P. Keefe and conducted by Special Interest Tours, the tour will be based out […]

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Indiana Northeastern Railroad to host excursions by NKP No. 765

Steam engine operating in farmland

ANGOLA, Ind. — The Ft. Wayne Railroad Historical Society has announced plans for “The Indiana Rail Experience,” a series of trips featuring Nickel Plate Road Berkshire No. 765 on the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. A complete schedule and tickets for the excursions will be available later this month at the Ft. Wayne Railroad Historical Society website. […]

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UP deal with RRHMA took over a year to complete

Aerial view of large railroad shop

SILVIS, Ill. — Negotiations between Union Pacific and Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America took over a year to complete before the deal was inked that transferred two UP steam locomotives, including Challenger 3985, and other equipment to the preservation group. The deal, which will see No. 3985 and 2-10-2 No. 5511 returned to steam, was […]

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Spring TCA York 2022 show report

Spring TCA 2022 York show

Spring TCA York 2022 notes from the field. CTT Editor Hal Miller visits the April 28-30 Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association event in York, Pa. He checks out the O, S, and Standard gauge trains and talks to some of the personalities at the show, including YouTubers Chris’s Trains & Things, Sid’s Trains, […]

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