OCTOBER 2026: The Livonia, Avon & Lakeville family of short lines has long been a venerable Alco stronghold, but that era will soon come to an end. David Baer takes an in-depth look at the Western New York & Pennsylvania as it phases out Alco power, while Managing Editor Otto Vondrak reviews the replacement program across the rest of the LA&L system. Gordon Lloyd recalls Arizona’s rich Alco legacy, while Lucas Leighton introduces us to MLW survivors in Quebec. All this and more in the October issue of Railfan & Railroad!

RailNews

Santa Fe 2926 Completes Main Line Test Runs

Santa Fe 2926 completed successful test runs on a former Santa Fe main line in New Mexico, covering 80 miles Sept. 26 and 27.

RailNews

Union Pacific Tests New Battery Locomotives

Union Pacific took delivery of two Wabtec FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives in Southern California, with two more arriving in October.

Extra Board

Quebec’s MLW Survivors

Regional railroads across Quebec continue to keep vintage Montreal Locomotive Works diesels busy hauling freight.

Extra Board

WNYP Alco Farewell

After 25 years of four and six-axle Alco power, Western New York & Pennsylvania’s colorful Century fleet is giving way to secondhand EMDs.

Photo Line, RailNews

2026 Railfan & Railroad Center Spread Contest Winners

Each year, we ask our readers to submit their best shots for consideration in our annual Center Spread Contest.

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.