This Month

April 2026

SPECIAL— “Smoke” was the theme of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2025 John E. Gruber Creative Photography Awards.

by VICTOR HAND— The conclusion of the United States Railroad Association story, leading up to conveyance to Conrail on April 1, 1976.

by TIM DOHERTY— Conrail transformed the historic Boston & Albany route over the Berkshires into a vital link for New England traffic.

by OTTO M. VONDRAK— After Conrail took over in 1976, many of the component bankrupt railroads were liquidated, reborn, or transformed.

by BROCK KERCHNER AND WES REMINDER— The history of the non-revenue passenger fleet from Conrail blue to Pullman Green.

by GREG MCDONNELL— A brief encounter between Conrail and Canadian Pacific freight trains at Waterford, Ont., in 1980.

by RON FLANARY— Are artificial intelligence-powered photo-enhancement tools an emerging creative frontier, or a new test of trust?

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