Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue could accurately describe May 1, 1971, Amtrak Day One. On that date the entire US long-distance passenger network became nationalized. The only really “new” element on that date was the partially-completed organizational structure to manage that new unwieldy public entity. The “old” and “borrowed” distinctions were the …
Springtime on the Mainline
The arrival of spring signals the start of a new beginning each year. The magnificent vista of flowers and fresh greenery basking in longer daylight hours are a daily, visual reminder of renewal. That process was especially important several generations ago before more advanced methods of climate control and exocytic destinations were out of reach …
Choosing Your Track and How to Power it
So you’re getting started in model railroading. You have a basic idea of what you want, and you might have even started buying some rolling stock. But what type of track should you choose, and how do you power it? Contrary to what you might think, there are actually multiple ways to go about this. …
Five Essential Elements for Modeling the Age of Steam
There’s little doubt that steam locomotives have a certain romanticism to them. More than half a century beyond their final days in revenue service, they still remain integral to railroad imagery in popular culture today. If you’ve experienced them in action, whether at a museum or in service, you’ll understand why. From the sound of …
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Celebrating 75 Years of American Flyer S Gauge Trains
“For God’s sake! Real trains run on two-rail track!” was a common reaction among astute children and adults when they gazed at the popular three-rail O gauge and standard gauge trains that dominated the toy train industry in the pre-World War II era. That sentiment was not lost on the legendary A. C. Gilbert when …
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Freight Pays The Bills
This weekend we celebrate freight transportation by rail. Sure, for at least 150 years railroad passenger service received much attention. That network was truly impressive and was an integral part of the American culture before 1950. But, it was true then, truer now, Freight Pays the Bills. Historically, hauling freight was the principal objective of …
Adding Railroad Stations to Your Layout
From the dawn of railroading, stations have served as an important focal point on just about every system. While their purpose is primarily functional, few inanimate structures are able to inspire the same level of emotion as these iconic landmarks. From the tearful farewells of soldiers going to war to the heart-warming reuniting of distant …
The History of the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway
With less than 1000 route miles to its name, the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle was very much an underdog of mainline railroads. It was however a critical link for rail operations in the Pacific Northwest. Never intended for a prolonged existence, the railroad was jointly operated by the Great Northern and Northern Pacific for eventual …
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The Modern Era (1970-2021)
Following the Transitional Era, railroads were no longer the primary method for moving people and goods; they now had to adapt by shedding unprofitable services and aggressively embrace new freight car designs, partner with shippers to advance unit train operations and improve diesel-electric motive power designs. Working in concert with trucking companies, railroads developed trailer …
The Transitional Era (1940-1970)
Remembered as an extension of the golden era, this period was arguably the most difficult one in railroad history. The route redundancy from the previous century coupled with lingering effects of the Great Depression forced many carriers into bankruptcy by the end of the 1930s. The traffic surge incident to World War II offered a …