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!

RailNews

Rivals Take Aim at UP-NS Merger Application

For their part, UP has said the other Class I railroads are simply trying to delay the merger because it will force them to work harder against the competition.

RailNews

KC Streetcar Ridership Surges

KC Streetcar ridership has surged to record-breaking levels following the October 24, opening of the Main Street Extension.

Extra Board

Transitions on the Annie

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

Extra Board

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

Photo Line: The Alcos of Ely

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

Camera Bag

Camera Bag: Shooting Steam and Recreating The Past

Here are a few things I’ve considered over the years when trying to capture images evocative of the steam era.

Departures

Communicating With Light

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

Explore the world of White River Productions

Railnews

January 12, 2026

Rivals Take Aim at UP-NS Merger Application

For their part, UP has said the other Class I railroads are simply trying to delay the merger because it will force them to work harder against the competition.

January 9, 2026