Extra Board
Welcome to Railfan & Railroad Extra Board, a monthly exploration of the passion for trains from many perspectives. Extra Board welcomes your submissions. We’re looking for about 1500 words accompanied by two or three photos. Each photo should be no smaller than 14 inches (or 1024 pixels) across at 72 dpi (no verticals, please). Brief caption information must accompany each photo. Please send your inquiries to the Webmaster for consideration.
January 18, 2019
A Visit to the Allentown & Auburn
The Allentown & Auburn Railroad is preserving the heritage of a scenic Reading branch line in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Bucks County for future generations to enjoy.
December 22, 2018
SEMTA: Motor City Commuter
Suburban politics and SEMTA funding conflicts spelled the end of Detroit’s 26-mile Grand Trunk Western commuter line to Pontiac in 1983.
December 6, 2018
Railfan & Railroad 2019 Heritage Rail Tour of Pennsylvania and Delaware
Join editors Steve Barry and Otto Vondrak this September on a fantastic five-day tour of heritage railroads in Pennsylvania and Delaware!
November 22, 2018
When They Were New: Southern Pacific AC4400CWs
Brand-new General Electric AC4400CWs were the shot in the arm Southern Pacific needed to modernize its diesel fleet in the 1990s. The locomotives pulled well, with the only major issue being that for some crew members, it took a little time to get used to the new electronic gauges and desktop placement.
November 13, 2018
Remembering Photographer John Gruber
Photographer John Gruber passed away on October 9 following a brief illness at age 82. Founder of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art, his own innovative style inspired a generation of railroad photographers.
October 23, 2018
Remembering the Dutchman’s Curve Wreck
On July 9, 1918, the deadliest train wreck in American history occurred just west of Nashville, Tenn., when two passenger trains collided head-on, claiming more than 100 lives.
October 23, 2018
When Alcos Came from GE: Part 2
Delaware & Hudson found the answer to its motive power needs at GE Hornell to acquire rebuilt Alco Centuries through a partnership with Genesee & Wyoming.
September 13, 2018
Conrail Alcos of Conway
The year 1976 was a pivotal point for Northeast railroading, with the formation of Conrail. The new railroad would assign most of its inherited Alco Century power to Conway Yard, which becme the units’ home base for maintenance.
September 13, 2018
405: A Rutland Survivor
Since purchased by the Rutland Railroad nearly 70 years ago, Green Mountain 405 has polished home rails ever since, thanks to the efforts of Scott Whitney.
August 22, 2018
The Final Decade of D&H
A chance encounter led photographer Amanda McCarthy to document the final decade of operations along the Delaware & Hudson line operated by Canadian Pacific.
