APRIL 2026: We mark the 50th anniversary of Conrail’s creation with special features exploring the railroad’s lasting impact. Discover how Conrail revitalized the Boston & Albany into a key corridor for New England intermodal traffic. Victor Hand concludes his three-part series on the United States Railroad Association and the work that paved the way for Conrail’s launch. Brock Kerchner and Wes Reminder revisit the glory days of the Conrail business train, while Managing Editor Otto Vondrak examines the evolution of Conrail’s logos and graphic design. All this and more in the April issue of Railfan & Railroad!

RailNews

N&W 611, MILW 261 to Hit Main Line This Summer

Two well-known 4-8-4 locomotives will lead excursions in June and July in Virginia and Minnesota.

RailNews

CPKC 2816 Film Makes Online Debut

Pulse of the Continent, a new documentary about CPKC’s historic “Final Spike Steam Tour,” made its online debut this week.

Extra Board

Conrail’s Boston Line

Conrail transformed the historic Boston & Albany route over the Berkshires into a vital link for New England traffic.

Extra Board

Countdown to ConRail: Part 3

The conclusion of the United States Railroad Association story, leading up to conveyance to Conrail on April 1, 1976.

Photo Line

Photo Line: A Preview of CRP&A’s Conversations 2026

The Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s annual conference visits Indianapolis from April 24 to 26, featuring yet another great lineup of railroad image makers.

Camera Bag

Camera Bag: Lessons From Stein

The Center for Railroad Photography & Art dives into the collection of Richard Steinheimer, arguably the greatest western railroad photographer of the 20th century.