Classic Trains

CELEBRATE THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN RAILROADING – WHEN GIANT STEAM LOCOMOTIVES, COLORFUL DIESELS AND STEAMLINERS SHARED THE RAILS. CLASSIC TRAINS COVERS THE 1930’S THROUGH THE 1970’S WITH REMARKABLE PHOTOGRAPHY, DETAILED REPORTING AND FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS FROM PEOPLE WHO WORKED THE GREAT PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAINS.

The next generation?

Classic Trains

Head End • A potpourri of railroad history, then and now

Fast Mail • Letters from readers on our Fall 2022 issue

For Mike Schafer, there’s always a shot • Train photography led to a career in railroad journalism

Railroad divided

GM&O memories • LOOKING BACK ON A RAILROAD LOVE AFFAIR THAT DOVETAILED WITH A PUBLISHING CAREER

New York Central 5344 in four photos • New York Central’s 275 4-6-4 Hudson-type engines are among the most celebrated of all steam locomotive classes. That they powered the famous 20th Century Limited (“The world’s greatest train”) would be enough to ensure them a place in history. No wonder Lionel’s postwar J-1 was one of the best-selling toy trains of all time. Adding to the Hudsons’ mythic status is the tragic fact that not one of them was saved for posterity, making them the most notable locomotives to have vanished without a trace. One member of the Hudson clan — J-1 No. 5344 — stands out from the rest. These four photos tell its story.

A wish fulfilled • ONE YOUNG RAILFAN EXPERIENCES THE GLORY OF STEAM IN NEBRASKA IN 1949

Great Northern FA1 at Tacoma in 1966 • The lumber-laden California connection Second 672 is powered for the 1% grade at Napavine

Alpine tracks • RIDING HIGH ON THE CANADIAN PACIFIC WITH RON HILL

Three decades of RDCs • BUDD’S BRAVE LITTLE RAIL DIESEL CAR CARVED OUT A SPECIAL ROLE IN PASSENGER SERVICE

MEMORIES, MEMENTOS, & SOUVENIRS • SIX YEARS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE SANTA FE MYSTIQUE

Train time at Corydon, 1950

When Santa rode the Pennsy • Memories of riding a Pennsylvania Railroad Christmas special in the 1950s

Next Issue

Riding trains in the 1940s • Wartime trips on the Chicago & North Western, Milwaukee Road, and Soo Line

Railroad mail service on the Burlington • Working the mail at Omaha was no small task for a college student in the 1950s

Variety in Toronto

Grand and transitional