This Month

December 2025

by KEVIN EUDALY — Gaining special access to the tailing basin at Milepost 7 on the Northshore Mining operation in northern Minnesota.

by JUSTIN FRANZ — Looking back at 35 years of operating luxury tour trains in the U.S. and Canada, with an eye toward expansion.

by SCOTT LOTHES— In search of onion trains and community on the island of Hokkaido, a chance encounter provided a rich, immersive experience.

by JACK STRYKER — The first new rail transit in Detroit since streetcars vanished in 1956, the new QLine has found its way on Woodward Avenue.

by PETER LEWIS — Tracking down all seven Class I railroads (plus Amtrak) in action on home rails, in one long day across four Midwestern states.

Departures/commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

Railnews/top news stories and photos from our readers: Justin Franz

Transit Currents/transit news: Bob Gallegos

Railroadiana/new product, book, and video reviews

Timetable/railroad event listings submitted by our readers

Through My Lens/trackside adventures and memories: Kevin EuDaly

Business & Technology/how it works: David C. Lester

Camera Bag/photography tips and techniques

Destinations/detours and distractions along the right of way

Observation Car/railroad culture, dining, and art

High Iron/railroaders share their stories

Preservation Topics/this stuff is old, man

Markers/editorial commentary and musings

Parting Shot