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.
March 24, 2019
The South Branch Valley Railroad
The South Branch Valley Railroad was launched by the state of West Virginia in 1978 to preserve freight service for agricultural customers on this scenic Baltimore & Ohio branch line.
March 24, 2019
A Visit to the Wilmington & Western
Operating on a former Baltimore & Ohio branch line since 1966, the Wilmington & Western Railroad provides Delaware’s only regularly scheduled steam operations through the scenic Red Clay Valley.
February 13, 2019
Trona Railway Today
Seven days a week, Searles Valley Minerals crews mine the lakebed for valuable mineral compounds that are hauled out by the venerable Trona Railway Company.
January 18, 2019
Montana Rail Link’s Gas Local
For two decades, Montana Rail Link’s twice-daily Gas Local has moved petroleum products across western Montana between Missoula and Thompson Falls for ConocoPhillips.
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.
