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!
Man Convicted of Derailing Train

Man Convicted of Derailing Train

A 19-year-old in Nebraska was convicted of derailing a BNSF Railway train in 2024 and then posting a video of the incident online.


Maine Narrow Gauge Raising Money for New Storage Space

Maine Narrow Gauge Raising Money for New Storage Space

Three Maine 2-footers will be under steam in the state on the weekend of May 9 and 10.


Wisconsin & Southern in the Watco Era

Wisconsin & Southern in the Watco Era

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


Riding Chessie’s Jets

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: A Preview of CRP&A’s Conversations 2026

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: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Camera Bag: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Research ahead of a railfan trip can result in great photos. But sometimes it’s possible to plan a little too much…


Railway Hospitality

Railway Hospitality

By the end of the 19th century, many American railways relied heavily on tourism and pleasure travel as a means to sell tickets.


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