MAY 2026: Wisconsin & Southern has seen more than a decade of growth and change as part of the Watco family of short lines. Jordan Rein takes us trackside to explore this evolving Midwestern operation. Gordon Lloyd examines the history of Alco diesel power in Michigan, while Eric Williams’ beautiful photo essay recalls the disappearing pole lines that once lined the nation’s railroads. David P. Ori invites us into the cab for a 1982 round-trip ride aboard Chessie System’s fast intermodal piggyback trains to Chicago and back. All this and more in the May issue of Railfan & Railroad!

RailNews

Rivals Rally Against Merger As UP, NS Submit Revised Application to Feds

This week, the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition was launched as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted an updated merger application to the federal government.

RailNews

Construction Projects Keep Moving on Amtrak

Amtrak is working on a number of major construction projects across the country.

Extra Board

Wisconsin & Southern in the Watco Era

More than a decade has passed since Midwestern regional Wisconsin & Southern Railroad came under the ownership of Watco.

Extra Board

Riding Chessie’s Jets

Ride along on two of Chessie System’s hot piggyback intermodal trains between New Castle, Pa., and Chicago in 1982.

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.