Following his graduation from college and military service, Buchan was hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1964, retiring in 1989. He was an active historian and author, writing two books, including a definitive history of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad. He also developed one of the first electronic magazines for Pennsy fans, The Keystone Modeler.
During his presidency of the PRRT&HS, he modernized its management practices, formalized accounting and administrative procedures and created an administrative structure that stressed accountability, according to Bruce Smith, the current president of the society.
He was also an accomplished model railroader in HO scale who focused his efforts on the right-of-way and maintenance-of-way. In addition to his railroad interests, he was also a military historian.
Buchan is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I had the pleasure of emailing with Al these past years on matters both serious and whimsical. As to the latter, anyone who knew him will remember his fondness for terrible puns and plays-on-words. Always worth a smile.
As President of the Chicago Chapter Terminal Chapter of the PRRT&HS, I will always cherish the support and assistance he provided to hold the 2009 Society’s Annual Meeting in Merrillville, Ind., outside Chicago. He will be missed.