This Month

October 2026

by DAVID BAER— After 25 years of four and six-axle Alco power, WNYP’s colorful Century fleet is giving way to secondhand EMDs.

by OTTO M. VONDRAK— Long an Alco stronghold, the LA&L family is transitioning to EMD and low-emission Tier 3 and Tier 4 locomotives.

SPECIAL— This past summer, Union Pacific took Big Boy 4014 on a nationwide tour, including a fi rst visit to the East on Norfolk Southern lines.

by GORDON LLOYD JR.— The Copper State has hosted a variety of Alcos from short lines and industrial operations to modern excursion railroads.

by LUCAS LEIGHTON— Regional railroads across Quebec continue to keep vintage Montreal Locomotive Works diesels busy hauling freight.

by JIM BOYD— Any six-motor Alco is rare, but CP 8921 has a history that is uniquely Canadian.

by STEVE BARRY— The ScaleTrains-sponsored Summerville Special offered a second chance to catch Southern 4501 in its classic green and gold colors.

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