Features:

844 and the 4-8-4s • by Cate Kratville-Wrinn — Eighty years after it was built and six decades after entering excursion service, UP 844 rolls on with no end in sight.

The Butterfly Effect  • by Ron Flanary — A 1987 trip to Wyoming resulted in an improbable UP steam operation on the CSX Clinchfield Santa Train in Tennessee.

Big Boy Reconquers the West  • by Elrond Lawrence — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive continues to draw massive crowds of support as it tours the American West.

Photo Line: Jim Boyd • by Steve Barry —Railfan & Railroad’s first editor was quick to explore the changing times around the Carstens offices in New Jersey in the 1970s.

Remembering Railfun: A Tribute to Curt Katz • by Otto M. Vondrak — Remembering our resident cartoonist who provided a humorous look at our hobby, the railroads, and even this magazine.

Oregon’s Lumbering Ghosts: 2 • by Dave Stanley — Recalling Oregon & Northwestern, Southern Pacific’s Tillamook and Wilkins branches, and Willamina & Grand Ronde.

Departments:

Departures — commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead 
Roll Your Own?

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
Fifty! Part 2

Preservation — The world of railway preservation/Justin Franz 
  Union Pacific Steam: Coming Attractions

Business & Technology — Analysis/David C. Lester 
  Some Thoughts on Railroad Labor

Camera Bag — Photography tips and techniques/George W. Hamlin 
  The Art of Seeing: Open Your Eyes, and Your Mind

Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors

Parting Shot — Thomas Pittman