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.

Maine Attraction: Woodland Rail

January 15, 2024

Maine Attraction: Woodland Rail

Venture east to where America’s day begins for a look at changing times in Downeast Maine as a former Maine Central branch line finds new life under New Brunswick Southern.

A Tale of Two Idahos

January 15, 2024

A Tale of Two Idahos

Travel west for a look at the two personalities of railroading in the Gem State, from the arid southern region to the mountainous and forested northern panhandle.

Get Trackside? Send Us Your Best For ‘Along the Rails 2023’

December 26, 2023

Get Trackside? Send Us Your Best For ‘Along the Rails 2023’

Did you capture something rare, interesting, or scenic in 2023? If so, you might consider sharing your photos with your fellow readers in our annual “Along the Rails” year in review.

Climb Aboard The Canadian

December 18, 2023

Climb Aboard The Canadian

VIA Rail Canada continues the tradition of classic grand streamliners with the continued operation of The Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver.

Railfan Guide to Springfield, Mass.

December 18, 2023

Railfan Guide to Springfield, Mass.

The area around Springfield, Massachusetts, is home to a variety of Class One, short line, freight, and passenger action.

Chicago  & North Western: Before and After

November 16, 2023

Chicago & North Western: Before and After

Encounters with the classic green and gold image of Chicago & North Western were always impressive, both before and after the 1995 merger with Union Pacific.

BNSF Point Defiance Line

November 16, 2023

BNSF Point Defiance Line

Constant traffic, beautiful coastlines, a variety of locations, and dramatic mountain backdrops make this part of the Seattle Subdivision along Puget Sound as good as it gets for main line railroading.

Remembering Mike Del Vecchio

October 18, 2023

Remembering Mike Del Vecchio

A personal tribute to railway preservationist, historian, and past Railfan & Railroad Associate Editor Mike Del Vecchio.

That Which Could Have Been

October 18, 2023

That Which Could Have Been

Publisher Kevin EuDaly recalls a special trip to visit North Shore Mining operations in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range.

Shenandoah Valley Railroad

September 15, 2023

Shenandoah Valley Railroad

An ex-Norfolk & Western RS-11 was an unlikely candidate for a Virginia short line previously dependent on EMD power.