Second Section – Trains of the Summer

Our theme this month includes the legend “second section”. Seasoned railroaders know that symbolized traffic that was so heavy that another section of a schedule train was required to handle crowds. Those crowds normally peaked during traditional holidays but became more a part of “standard operations” during summer months.  Railroads themselves started early on promotions …

The Heritage of BNSF

The age of great railroad mergers produced the BNSF of today. A leader in the industry and a favorite of investors, BNSF will likely remain in the forefront for years to come. Yet, the affiliation of today’s giant races its roots to the early part of the 20th century. Empire Builder James J. Hill saw …

Coiled Up: The New Evans 100-Ton Coil Car from Intermountain

Coil Cars are a common sight on manifest freights across North America. In this post, we’ll be checking out the new HO Scale Evans 100-Ton example from Intermountain! The Prototype Until the 1960s, steel coils were generally transported either in open or covered gondola cars. This presented a problem, as there was no efficient way …

Bringing the Super Chief to Life in N Scale

There are several named trains throughout history which have transcended both the railfan and railroading world, making a lasting impression in popular culture. There’s the Orient Express; made famous by Agatha Christie’s mystery novel of the same name. The 20th Century Limited; remembered as an icon of the art deco era. And there’s the Super …