Departures
Just what does it mean to be a railfan? In Departures, we attempt to answer this question. Geeky but cool, obsessive yet interesting, artistic yet accessible, it’s a broad hobby with something for everyone. But what does it mean to you? We’ll discuss the leading trends in photography and how they shape our approach to the craft. For the historian and the collector, we’ll explore our rich past and look ahead to the future. Join us as we embark upon exciting railway journeys and discover what draws us trackside. Learn about the fascinating people who have enlivened our hobby and make us eager to join them. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a railfan, and we’ll show you why each month!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexander B. Craghead, is the author of Departures. He is a writer, photographer, illustrator, and self-described “transportation geek” from Portland, Oregon. His interest in trains was partially inspired by childhood stories about his great-great uncle, who worked for the Portland Traction Company, and his great-great grandfather, who worked for the Southern Pacific.
His writing and photography have appeared in Railfan & Railroad Magazine, Trains Magazine, and the National Railroad Historical Society Bulletin, and in Railroad Heritage published by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art.
December 17, 2024
Oregon’s Timber Heritage
Oregon’s history is tied to the timber industry, and the quirky short line railroads that brought their products to market.
November 20, 2024
Roll Your Own?
What if you had the means to acquire your own steam locomotive? What would you get? Where would you run it? When can we visit?
October 20, 2024
Celebrating 50 Years of Railfan & Railroad
When Editor Steve Barry first walked in to Carstens Publications as an employee in March 1996, it felt like he had already been there for 22 years.
September 18, 2024
Mexican Alcos and More
Whether in the pages of books and magazines, or in person, there’s much to railfan if we look south.
August 15, 2024
What is it About the Oregon Trunk?
The history of the Oregon Trunk is layered and nuanced, much like the shared experiences of the railfans who are drawn to its scenic route.
July 15, 2024
Tourist Railroading is Real Railroading
For some in our hobby, tourist lines are not part of the traditional railway landscape, or are somehow not “real” railroading.
June 19, 2024
Exports and Expats
North American railroading has a distinct character, but diesel locomotive exports reinforce how railways also bind us together.
May 13, 2024
The Rise and Fall of Electric Main Lines
In North America, heavy electric main line railways outside of the East Coast are relatively uncommon.
April 17, 2024
No Regrets?
Don’t wait for the last run… Get out, ride every train you can, visit every line you want to see, and take nothing for granted.
March 14, 2024
Canada’s Connection to the Railway
Canadian railways dominated commercial culture for far longer than they did in the U.S., and to a far greater extent.
