Extra Board

Welcome to Railfan & Railroad Extra Board, a monthly exploration of the passion for trains from many perspectives. Extra Board welcomes your submissions. We’re looking for about 1500 words accompanied by two or three photos. Each photo should be no smaller than 14 inches (or 1024 pixels) across at 72 dpi (no verticals, please). Brief caption information must accompany each photo. Please send your inquiries to the Webmaster for consideration.

Southern’s Royal Hudson

March 14, 2024

Southern’s Royal Hudson

Long before CP 2816 ventured south, sister locomotive 2839 spent two years working for Southern Railway, powering excursions through unfamiliar territory.

CP 2816: Empress Returns

March 14, 2024

CP 2816: Empress Returns

Ahead of a highly anticipated trip to Mexico, go behind the scenes of the restoration of Canadian Pacific 2816 and climb aboard the final test run.

Santa Fe’s Silent Sentinels

February 19, 2024

Santa Fe’s Silent Sentinels

Photographer Ted Benson travels to the Land of Enchantment for a look at the last semaphore blades in service on a Class I railroad in America.

Central Electrics Land in Danbury

February 19, 2024

Central Electrics Land in Danbury

Two historic New York Central electrics had an uncertain fate at a power plant in New York until rescued by the Danbury Railway Museum.

Maine Attraction: Woodland Rail

January 15, 2024

Maine Attraction: Woodland Rail

Venture east to where America’s day begins for a look at changing times in Downeast Maine as a former Maine Central branch line finds new life under New Brunswick Southern.

A Tale of Two Idahos

January 15, 2024

A Tale of Two Idahos

Travel west for a look at the two personalities of railroading in the Gem State, from the arid southern region to the mountainous and forested northern panhandle.

Get Trackside? Send Us Your Best For ‘Along the Rails 2023’

December 26, 2023

Get Trackside? Send Us Your Best For ‘Along the Rails 2023’

Did you capture something rare, interesting, or scenic in 2023? If so, you might consider sharing your photos with your fellow readers in our annual “Along the Rails” year in review.

Climb Aboard The Canadian

December 18, 2023

Climb Aboard The Canadian

VIA Rail Canada continues the tradition of classic grand streamliners with the continued operation of The Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver.

Railfan Guide to Springfield, Mass.

December 18, 2023

Railfan Guide to Springfield, Mass.

The area around Springfield, Massachusetts, is home to a variety of Class One, short line, freight, and passenger action.

Chicago  & North Western: Before and After

November 16, 2023

Chicago & North Western: Before and After

Encounters with the classic green and gold image of Chicago & North Western were always impressive, both before and after the 1995 merger with Union Pacific.