This Month
July 2026
Volume 45, No. 7
Features
When Freedom Came to Kingsport
by STEVE PATTERSON— An eight-year-old railfan was duly impressed when the 1947 American Freedom Train rolled into Kingsport, Tenn.
Speedway to Sunshine
by KEVIN MEISENHELTER— Predictable operations, diverse scenery, and sleek Brightline trains make today’s Florida East Coast a paradise for railfans.
I’ll Never Go Coach Again
by DAVID BUSSE— Recalling an unforgettable first class trip aboard Algoma Central business car Agawa in 2000.
M-497: Unmatched for Speed
by OTTO M. VONDRAK— With help from a surplus jet, New York Central set a North American rail speed record in 1966 on a straightaway in Ohio.
Celebrating a Century of Metra Electric
by DOUGLAS W. DAVIDSON— The former Illinois Central six-track main line serving Chicago’s South Side marks a century under wire.
Departments
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
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