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MAY 2024: We visit R.J. Corman’s home state of Kentucky to learn how smart acquisitions and trackage rights agreements result in a thriving short line operation. Garland McKee takes us on a tour of RJC’s colorful Kentucky operations. A number of contributors come together in a special Photo Line honoring the final days of regional Montana Rail Link, while Michael Burkhart brings us to the island of Barbados to ride a new heritage steam line. Gordon Lloyd, Jr., brings us the first of a two-part series on Fairbanks-Morse diesels in unexpected locations. All this and more in the May issue of Railfan & Railroad!

This Month

May 2024

Volume 43, No. 5

Features

Kentucky Corman

by Garland Mckee — After R.J. Corman purchased the former Louisville & Nashville ‘Old Road’ from CSX in 2003, clever trackage rights agreements
allowed the short line to develop steady new business and thrive.

Photo Line: Montana Rail Link Farewell

Special feature — As Montana Rail Link operations are absorbed back into BNSF Railway, photographers look back at the last year of independent operations on this colorful and scenic regional railroad.

Unexpected Fairbanks-Morse: Part 1

by Gordon Lloyd Jr. — While domestic production of Fairbanks-Morse locomotives was brief, its beefy diesels turned up in ‘unexpected’ short line, main line, and industrial operations from coast to coast.

Steam in Barbados

by Michael T. Burkhart —Opened in 2018, St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage
Railway is one of the world’s newest steam-powered tourist lines, operating on the historic plantation of the same name.

Where’s Your Wegley?

by Ed Wolfe — This busy stretch of former Pennsylvania Railroad main line just east of Pittsburgh has provided a convenient showcase of Amtrak, Conrail, and later Norfolk Southern action through the years for local fans.

Departments

Departures/commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

Railnews/top news stories and photos from our readers: Justin Franz

Transit Currents/transit news: Bob Gallegos

Railroadiana/new product, book, and video reviews

Timetable/railroad event listings submitted by our readers

LocoNotes/diesel spotters: Kenneth M. Ardinger

Through My Lens/trackside adventures and memories: Kevin EuDaly

Rail Technology/how it works: David C. Lester

Camera Bag/photography tips and techniques

Destinations/detours and distractions along the right of way

Observation Car/railroad culture, dining, and art

High Iron/railroaders share their stories

Preservation Topics/this stuff is old, man

Markers/editorial commentary and musings

Parting Shot

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Railfan & Railroad Magazine

Railfan & Railroad Magazine, ©2015-2023 White River Productions. All rights reserved.
From steam to diesel, mainline to short line, Railfan & Railroad Magazine takes you trackside.