Road Switchers Make the Grade

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 …

 

Famous Face of Landmark Steam Design

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 …

 

Lineage and Legacy of Amtrak Horizon Cars

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 …

 

The Heavy Eyebrow of Steam

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 …

 

CSX and recognizing the Mother of American Railroading

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, …

 

Thoroughbred of Transportation – Expanded

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 …