NOVEMBER 2026: The “Mother Road” celebrates its centennial, intertwined with the former Santa Fe rails that follow Route 66 toward the Pacific. Elrond Lawrence takes us on a personal journey through 100 years of shared history. Justin Franz follows Oregon’s reactivated Weston Branch, while Jeff Terry visits three active electric traction lines in Iowa. Jim Rowland brings us the first part of Susquehanna’s incredible comeback story, and our staff attends the America 250 Locomotive Celebration in Spencer. All this and more in the November issue of Railfan & Railroad!
Santa Fe FP45 Gets Fresh Look in Oklahoma

Santa Fe FP45 Gets Fresh Look in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City showed off the ongoing cosmetic work on Santa Fe EMD FP45 90, the first FP45 ever built.


Union Pacific 5511 Undergoes Steam Test, on Track to Operate in 2027

Union Pacific 5511 Undergoes Steam Test, on Track to Operate in 2027

Union Pacific 5511 successfully passed its first steam test in Silvis, Ill., last week. The locomotive is expected to operate in summer 2027.


America 250 Locomotive Celebration at Spencer

America 250 Locomotive Celebration at Spencer

A once-in-a-lifetime gathering of colorful patriotic locomotives and equipment at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, co-sponsored by Railfan & Railroad.


A Hundred Years on the Route 66 Railway

A Hundred Years on the Route 66 Railway

The “Mother Road” celebrates a century, intertwined with the former Santa Fe rails that follow it to the Pacific.


Photo Line: The Old C&NW at Owanka, South Dakota

Photo Line: The Old C&NW at Owanka, South Dakota

Owanka, South Dakota, is located on former Chicago & North Western rails, now operated by the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad.


Camera Bag: A (Holiday) Trainload of Thoughts

Camera Bag: A (Holiday) Trainload of Thoughts

The CPKC Holiday Train in December 2023 provided Associate Editor Justin Franz with a trainload of thoughts about photography.


Inventing the Southwest

Inventing the Southwest

Through prose, painting, photography, and clever advertising, Santa Fe heavily marketed the Southwest as a place of scenic wonder.


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