FEBRUARY 2026: This month we look back nearly 40 years to a pivotal moment in 1987, when Soo Line prepared to spin off portions of its original main lines, briefly turning them into a showcase for classic EMD power. Andrew Nelson revisits this transitional period just before Wisconsin Central stepped in. Adam Horgan takes us on a tour of the former Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac as a busy CSX freight corridor linking North and South, while Jim Kleeman heads to Colorado to explore former Rio Grande branch lines now operated by Colorado Pacific Rio Grande. Victor Hand launches a three-part series examining the critical role the United States Railroad Association played in untangling the bankrupt Northeastern railroads and laying the groundwork for what would become Conrail. All this and more in the February issue of Railfan & Railroad!
Yakima Trolley Gets Operating Agreement, But Future Remains Unclear

Yakima Trolley Gets Operating Agreement, But Future Remains Unclear

The Yakima City Council voted Tuesday night to extend a five-year operating agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys, the Washington non-profit that runs the community’s historic interurban railroad.


WW&F Makes Progress on New-Build 2-4-4T

WW&F Makes Progress on New-Build 2-4-4T

Maine’s Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington is making steady progress with its effort to build a brand new 2-foot gauge 2-4-4T locomotive.


Lake States Remembered

Lake States Remembered

For a brief moment in 1987, Soo Line turned back the clock on its original main lines with classic EMD power.


Today’s RF&P: Still Linking North and South

Today’s RF&P: Still Linking North and South

The former Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac remains a busy corridor for freight and passengers under CSX.


Photo Line: Bringing the ‘Q’ Back to Life

Photo Line: Bringing the ‘Q’ Back to Life

Bringing the late-1950s and early 1960s on the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad back to life was the main objective of the “Nebraska Zephyr Night Photo Shoot” in October 2025.


Camera Bag: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Camera Bag: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Research ahead of a railfan trip can result in great photos. But sometimes it’s possible to plan a little too much…


Railways and the Growth of the ‘Old’ Northwest

Railways and the Growth of the ‘Old’ Northwest

Soo Line once connected the Great Lakes with the ‘Old Northwest’ region of the Dakotas, and now part of Canadian Pacific.


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