Features:

China After Steam • by Ben Kletzer — Despite the end of steam in China, there are still many interesting operations to see, ride, and photograph, like the vintage streetcars and industrial trams of Dalian.

2024 Center Spread Contest Winners • Special — Each year, we ask our readers to submit their best shots for consideration in our Center Spread Contest. From hundreds of potential candidates, these are the ones that stood out.

SEPTA Silverliner Heritage • by Michael T. Burkhart — Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of heritage tributes on its workhorse Silverliner electric m.u. cars.

Oregon Trunk Chronicles  • by Scott Lothes —The attraction of this scenic and often lonely stretch of railroad through Oregon’s Deschutes River canyon is strong, with the results alternately frustrating and extremely gratifying. 

MBTA Orange Line: A Total Transformation • by Tim Doherty — What used to be an elderly elevated rapid transit line connecting the north and south sides of Boston was transformed in the 1970s and 1980s into a modern system with suburban extensions. 

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

Through My Lens — trackside memories: Kevin EuDaly

Business & Technology — Analysis/David C. Lester
 I Vote for Two

Camera Bag — Photography tips and techniques/Steven McKay
 Flashing on a Budget

The Observation Car — Culture, art, food, and film/Rick Malo
 The Deadly 1940 Alamo Train Crash

Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors

Parting Shot — Tyler Guthrie