Features:

Alexander Railroad • by STEPHEN HOST — Given up for dead by Southern Railway nearly 80 years ago, this North Carolina short line has experienced tremendous growth, thanks in part to three generations of family management.

Milwaukee Electrics: 50 Years Gone • by DICK DORN — Milwaukee Road’s bold and pioneering effort to electrify its main line across the mountains and prairies couldn’t compete with the economic realities of railroading in the 1970s.

Unexpected Fairbanks-Morse: Part 2 • by GORDON LLOYD JR — Wrapping up our two-part examination of Fairbanks-Morse diesels from coal mines to steel mills, from freight yards to experimental passenger trains, and even some foreign operations.

The Soot of Rome: Cumbres & Toltec  • by RICK MALO —For more than 50 years, a new generation of railroaders has been keeping the traditions of the Rio Grande narrow gauge alive in Colorado and New Mexico on Cumbres & Toltec Scenic

The Role of Technology: 2023 CRP&A Winners • Special Feature — The theme of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s Creative Photography Awards explored how technology has shaped how railroads operate, look, and perform over time.

Departments:

Departures — commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

Railnews — top news stories and photos from our readers

Transit Currents — transit news: Bob Gallegos

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

Business & Technology — Analysis/David C. Lester
 Alternative Fuels and Reducing Emissions

Camera Bag — tips and techniques: Jeffery Smith

The Observation Car — Culture, art, food, and film/Rick Malo
 John Ott’s Colorful Recreations of History

Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors

Parting Shot — Zach Lybrand