JANUARY 2026: As Watco acquires Great Lakes Central and reunites it with the former Ann Arbor Railroad, Jim Rowland examines a pivotal moment of change for this Michigan regional. Garry and Roz Miller revisit a rare plow extra on Canadian Pacific in Alberta, while Rick Malo presents a striking black-and-white essay along BNSF’s Transcon in Texas. David Rohdenburg looks back at the final days of B&O-era position light signals on CSX’s Indiana Subdivision, and Marcus Stevens traces the storied six-decade career of EMD’s GP38. All this and more in the January issue of Railfan & Railroad!
More Semiquincentennial Units to Make Debut in New Year

More Semiquincentennial Units to Make Debut in New Year

In 2026, the 2238 will be showcased at towns where North Shore railroads operate, both on display and pulling excursions.


Northstar Calls it Quits

Northstar Calls it Quits

Minnesota’s Northstar Commuter rail made its last run on January 4, bringing to an end 16 years of commuter rail service in the Twin Cities. 


Transitions on the Annie

Transitions on the Annie

Changing times in Michigan as Watco acquires Great Lakes Central and reunites it with the former Ann Arbor Railroad.


Farewell to CSX Indiana Sub CPLs

Farewell to CSX Indiana Sub CPLs

Looking back at the last days of classic Baltimore & Ohio color-position light signals along CSX’s Indiana Sub.


Photo Line: The Alcos of Ely

Photo Line: The Alcos of Ely

While steam is the star, the Nevada Northern has an eclectic fleet of diesels.


Camera Bag: Film Isn’t Dead

Camera Bag: Film Isn’t Dead

While digital cameras may dominate the hobby, photographer David Witty writes that there’s still room for good old-fashioned film.


Communicating With Light

Communicating With Light

Lantern signals remain a persistent part of railroad culture, one in which it is light, not words, that carry meaning


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