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That enduring legacy is bestowed on the PRR class K4s, 4-6-2 locomotive. The K4s was born out of extreme necessity in 1914, when the PRR belatedly confirmed that they had to break with their limiting phobia about adding one extra set of drive wheels to passenger locomotives. Until that time, management steadfastly believed larger 4-4-0 …
Continue reading “Signature Steam Class on the Standard Railroad of the World”
Both attributes in the title are the very reason why RDC cars remain popular with model railroaders and the rail-inclined alike. Budd Company blazed the trail with many new technological innovations that shaped passenger train services in the US between 1934 and 1970. The Rail Diesel Car – RDC – satisfied two voids in passenger …
No doubt about it – the economics of transportation sets the pace for what we see on the rails in terms of technology and frequency, more so in the case of Amtrak. Amtrak was a child born out of necessity 54 years ago. To some it marked the end of the grand era of luxury …
The diesel-electric revolution started off in a less-than auspicious fashion. Central Railroad of New Jersey, later known as the Jersey Central Lines, acquired what is recognized to be the first “diesel” in daily service – locomotive #1000 – to address smoke abatement concerns at its lower Manhattan freight yard, switching operation. The “switcher” designation reflected …
The efficiency, mass-pulling power and speed of steam locomotives advanced materially on March 28, 1925 – the date Lima Locomotive Works #1, a revolutionary 2-8-4 design, began daily road service in western Massachusetts. Designated class A-1-A by its sponsor, the New York Central-controlled Boston & Albany, Lima Locomotive #1 was the first steam locomotive constructed …
Respected and sometimes feared rail executive Louis W. Menk once proclaimed: “You couldn’t make money then, can’t make money now, and won’t make money ever on intercity passenger trains!” Interestingly, Menk was a member of Amtrak’s first Board of Directors. Menk’s beliefs – held by many railroad and business executives – and the loss leader …
Continue reading “Lineage and Legacy of Amtrak Horizon Cars”
Most steam locomotives displayed a face that was a successful blend of functionality and eye-appealing design. And some, well – functionality was the undeniable, overpowering trait. More so after 1920 when mechanical engineers devised different appliances, all designed to improve the performance of the basic steam locomotive designs that dominated the rails. The larger the …
On November 1, 1980 Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line merged to form the CSX Transportation. Much more than a merger to facilitate correction within the railroad industry, CSX introduced a new chapter of transportation that began when Baltimore businessmen met on February 27th, 1827 and chartered America’s First Railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio. True, …
Continue reading “CSX and recognizing the Mother of American Railroading”
This week we celebrate the merger of the Norfolk & Western and Southern Railway, including the major railroads that were acquired by both in the 20th century, to form transportation giant Norfolk Southern. That mix includes a large portion of the Penn Central Transportation Company (1968-1976) whose downfall triggered the need to revamp the traditional …
Continue reading “Thoroughbred of Transportation – Expanded”
The image of a bright orange and red projectile, with accents of silver and black, still rockets through the minds of many familiar with the iconic Southern Pacific Daylight trains, inaugurated in 1937. The mission of the Daylight-themed trains was to propel the passenger service of the Southern Pacific from dated practice and the depths …