Features:

Burlington Northern’s Alco Accumulation • by Gordon Lloyd — When Burlington Northern was formed in 1970, it inherited a modest fleet of Alco locomotives from the Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland & Seattle. The Alcos found their way to two pockets on the system—the Pacific Northwest and Minnesota.

Trona Today • by Zachary Larsen — Toiling in the desert of the Searles Valley in California, the modern Trona Railway hauls heavy trains of minerals to the main line.

Along the Line 2018 • Photos from our readers — Last year saw a lot of variety in the North American railroad scene and our contributors were trackside to capture the action.

Follow the Beet • by George and Kathy Melvin — Huron & Eastern’s sugar beet train operation was a colorful addition to the railroading scene in Michigan’s Thumb.

Departments:

Departures/commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

Railnews/top news stories and photos from our readers

Transit Currents/transit news: Bob Gallegos

Capitol Lines/commentary from Washington: Don Phillips

Railroadiana/new product, book, and video reviews

Timetable/railroad event listings submitted by our readers

LocoNotes/diesel spotters: Kenneth M. Ardinger

Through My Lens/trackside memories: Kevin EuDaly

Camera Bag/photography techniques: Dennis A. Livesey

On The Menu/railroad dining, art, and culture: James D. Porterfield

Preservation Topics/this stuff is old, man: Otto M. Vondrak

Markers/additional thoughts from your editors

Parting Shot/Kit Courter