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FEBRUARY 2026: This month we look back nearly 40 years to a pivotal moment in 1987, when Soo Line prepared to spin off portions of its original main lines, briefly turning them into a showcase for classic EMD power. Andrew Nelson revisits this transitional period just before Wisconsin Central stepped in. Adam Horgan takes us on a tour of the former Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac as a busy CSX freight corridor linking North and South, while Jim Kleeman heads to Colorado to explore former Rio Grande branch lines now operated by Colorado Pacific Rio Grande. Victor Hand launches a three-part series examining the critical role the United States Railroad Association played in untangling the bankrupt Northeastern railroads and laying the groundwork for what would become Conrail. All this and more in the February issue of Railfan & Railroad!

This Month

February 2026

Volume 45, No. 2

Features

Lake States Remembered

by ANDREW S. NELSON— For a brief moment in 1987, Soo Line turned back the clock on its original main lines with classic EMD power.

Still Linking North and South

by ADAM HORGAN— The former Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac remains a busy corridor for freight and passengers under CSX.

Countdown to Conrail: Part 1

by VICTOR HAND— The United States Railroad Association was formed in 1974 to quickly come up with a solution to the Northeastern rail problem.

Doubled-Up at Chatham

by GREG MCDONNELL— An unexpected meeting in the Canadian Pacific yard at Eastend in Chatham, Ont., on November 16, 1973.

Colorado Pacific Rio Grande

by JIM KLEEMAN— New life and increased traffic for former Rio Grande branch lines radiating out of Alamosa, Colo.

Departments

Departures/commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

Railnews/top news stories and photos from our readers: Justin Franz

Transit Currents/transit news: Bob Gallegos

Railroadiana/new product, book, and video reviews

Timetable/railroad event listings submitted by our readers

Through My Lens/trackside adventures and memories: Kevin EuDaly

Business & Technology/how it works: David C. Lester

Camera Bag/photography tips and techniques

Destinations/detours and distractions along the right of way

Observation Car/railroad culture, dining, and art

High Iron/railroaders share their stories

Preservation Topics/this stuff is old, man

Markers/editorial commentary and musings

Parting Shot

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Railfan & Railroad Magazine, ©2015-2025 White River Productions. All rights reserved.
From steam to diesel, main line to short line, Railfan & Railroad Magazine takes you trackside.