MAY 2026: Wisconsin & Southern has seen more than a decade of growth and change as part of the Watco family of short lines. Jordan Rein takes us trackside to explore this evolving Midwestern operation. Gordon Lloyd examines the history of Alco diesel power in Michigan, while Eric Williams’ beautiful photo essay recalls the disappearing pole lines that once lined the nation’s railroads. David P. Ori invites us into the cab for a 1982 round-trip ride aboard Chessie System’s fast intermodal piggyback trains to Chicago and back. All this and more in the May issue of Railfan & Railroad!
Rocky Mountaineer to End Run on Former BC Rail This Year

Rocky Mountaineer to End Run on Former BC Rail This Year

With CN seeking to abandon part of its former BC Rail route, Rocky Mountaineer has announced that 2026 will likely be the last season for its Rainforest to Gold Rush run.


East Broad Top Water Tank to be Rebuilt

East Broad Top Water Tank to be Rebuilt

The Friends of the East Broad Top and the East Broad Top Foundation announced on May 3 that they would partner to rebuild the narrow gauge railroad water tank at Saltillo, Pa.


Wisconsin & Southern in the Watco Era

Wisconsin & Southern in the Watco Era

More than a decade has passed since Midwestern regional Wisconsin & Southern Railroad came under the ownership of Watco.


Riding Chessie’s Jets

Riding Chessie’s Jets

Ride along on two of Chessie System’s hot piggyback intermodal trains between New Castle, Pa., and Chicago in 1982.


Photo Line: Farewell to Portland’s ‘Trailblazer’

Photo Line: Farewell to Portland’s ‘Trailblazer’

On April 18, 2026, Portland’s TriMet held a “Goodbye MAX Type 1” farewell event to celebrate the retirement of the last of the Type 1 light rail vehicles (LRV) at Holladay Park in Portland.


Camera Bag: New FAA Rules, Remote ID and Smaller Drones

Camera Bag: New FAA Rules, Remote ID and Smaller Drones

Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration released a new set of rules for drone operators. Here’s a rundown of how it will impact you.


Railway Hospitality

Railway Hospitality

By the end of the 19th century, many American railways relied heavily on tourism and pleasure travel as a means to sell tickets.


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