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Aug 14, 2025 - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic K36 100th Anniversary - Chase of Public Freight to Cumbres Pass: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The second of the five-day K36 100th anniversary event featured a four-hour authentic freight train experience from Chama to Cumbres Pass and return. This was not part of... Read More>> |
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Aug 14, 2025 - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic K36 100th Anniversary - Parade of Steam: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. After the Chama Yard tour, about forty people gathered for the 5:30 PM Parade of Steam featuring the three active K36 steam locomotives, all of which had been painted as... Read More>> |
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Aug 14, 2025 - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic K36 100th Anniversary - Chama Yard Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. After arriving at the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad yard in Chama, I walked over to the tent where the yard tour participants were gathering. This tour was being offered today and tomorrow as... Read More>> |
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Aug 11-13, 2025 - To Chama for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic K36 100th Anniversary Event: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I first learnt of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic K36 100th Anniversary Event in February, when Dak Dillon Photography announced a three-day charter as part of the celebration... Read More>> |
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Jul 20, 2025 - Monticello Railway Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Monticello Railway Museum is a not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1966 as "SPUR"; Society for the Perpetuation of Unretired Railfans. SPUR's goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was... Read More>> |
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Jul 19, 2025 - Hesston Steam Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Our second stop was in Coloma for the Benton Harbor-St. Joe Railway & Light Company interurban station built in 1910. The company operated an electric railway from Benton Harbor to Watervliet with branches to Paw Paw and... Read More>> |
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Jul 18, 2025 - Durand Union Station and Huckleberry Railroad in Flint, Michigan: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Village of Vernon Center (now Durand) was built up around the railroads in the late 1850's. After the rapid expansion of the railroad in the 1870's, the Village incorporated itself as Durand in 1887. Durand Union Station was designed by... Read More>> |
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Jul 16-17, 2025 - 2025 NRHS Convention - Detroit's Michigan Central Station Tour and Business Meetings: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The building began operating as Detroit's main passenger depot in 1913 after the older Michigan Central Station burned on December 26, 1913. It was owned and operated by Michigan Central Railroad and was planned as part of a large project that included the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel below the Detroit River for freight and passengers. The former station's location on a spur line was inconvenient for the high volume of passengers it served. The new station placed passenger service on the main line. The growing trend toward... Read More>> |
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Jul 16, 2025 - 2025 NRHS Convention - Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Today, I was assigned to Bus 1 and once my passengers were on board, we departed the Graduate Hotel and travelled to Dearborn, Michigan and Greenfield Village. Upon entering, we will... Read More>> |
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Jul 15, 2025 - 2025 NRHS Convention - National New York Central Museum in Elkhart, Indiana: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. After the fantastic Adlake tour, the bus on which I was host took its passengers to the National New York Central Railroad Museum for exploration and... Read More>> |
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Jul 15, 2025 - 2025 NHRS Convention - Norfolk Southern Elkhart Yard Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. After the safety briefing at the National New York Central Museum in Elkhart, the three convention buses drove the short distance to the Elkhart Yard. Each bus stopped at pre-determined areas where an employee or... Read More>> |
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Jul 14, 2025 - 2025 NRHS Convention - Little River 110 and Nickel Plate 765 Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Today's excursion started at the Little River Railroad in Coldwater with the plan being to ride behind Little River 4-6-2 110 for the journey to Quincy, then Nickel Plate 2-8-4 765 would take us the rest of the way to Hillsdale for lunch, a planned... Read More>> |
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Jul 13, 2025 - 2025 NRHS Convention - Clare to Owosso Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The first event of the convention was a journey to Clare, Michigan, to ride the diesel-powered Great Lakes Central Railroad 71.3 miles south to Owosso. A short stop was also planned at Shepherd to... Read More>> |
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Jul 10-12, 2025 - To the 2025 National Railway Historical Society Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This year's National Railway Historical Society convention was headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan and it was a natural for both of us to attend, especially as Elizabeth was the bus host coordinator and on the... Read More>> |
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Jun 11-14, 2025 - The 2025 Railroad Station Historical Society Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This year, Elizabeth attended the convention in Binghamton, New York herself, whereas I would be participating in the 100th anniversary event of the K-36 locomotives at Cumbres and... Read More>> |
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Jun 8-10, 2025 - The Journey to The Railroad Station Historical Society Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Earlier this year, the 100th anniversary event of the K-36 locomotives at Cumbres and Toltec Scenic was announced. Elizabeth and I discussed attending this and we decided that I would go to... Read More>> |
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May 16-29, 2025 - A Visit to the Cantlins in Sallisaw, Oklahoma: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. It had been a few months since we visited our friends David and Rachel Cantlin in Sallisaw so arrangements were made. We found our first train at Watts, Oklahoma, lead by Kansas City Southern and CP locomotives... Read More>> |
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May 3-5, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference Meetings and the Journey Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Carthage Junction Depot has been a landmark for Smith County since the late 1800's, moving passengers and delivering freight and mail along the Tennessee Central Railroad. It was because of this depot that... Read More>> |
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May 2, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference - Star of Knoxville: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Tennessee Riverboat Company offers a unique and enchanting experience aboard the Star of Knoxville, one of only four authentic paddlewheel riverboat in the country. Cruises on this historic vessel provide breathtaking views of the Tennessee River, with options for... Read More>> |
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May 2, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference - Three Rivers Rambler: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Three Rivers Rambler is a unique tourist train operation that uses both steam and diesel equipment to take passengers on a memorable 11 mile journey in Knoxville. It is operated by Knoxville and... Read More>> |
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May 2, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference - Knoxville Locomotive Works Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW) was originally established by Gulf & Ohio Railways, Incorporated in 1998 to serve as a maintenance company for the G&O family of railroads using... Read More>> |
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May 1, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference - Johnson City Railroad Experience: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Johnson City East Tennessee and Western North Carolina freight station is adjacent to the passenger station. The Division of Underground Storage Tanks was involved in the transformation from a train station in... Read More>> |
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May 1, 2025 - NRHS Spring Conference - Doe River Gorge Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. While the National Railway Historical Society's spring conference really started tomorrow in Johnson City, Tennessee, an afternoon pre-conference event had been announced so Elizabeth and... Read More>> |
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Apr 29-30, 2025 - The Journey to Johnson City, Tennessee for the NRHS Spring Conference: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This year's National Railway Historical Society spring conference was held in Johnson City, Tennessee and since Elizabeth is Secretary of the Advisory Council and also the... Read More>> |
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Apr 5, 2025 - Dak Dillon Photo Charter At Norgrove Railway Part 1: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Norgrove Railway, located at Norgrove Gardens Vineyard, is home to an exceptional collection of historic narrow gauge steam locomotives, each with its unique story and place in railway history. This was the... Read More>> |
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Apr 4, 2025 - Dak Dillon Photo Charter At Pacific Coast Railroad, In Conjunction with SLO Railfanning Part 1: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Founded in 2000 by Rob Rossi and lovingly built as part of a heritage revitalization project, this 3 foot narrow gauge scenic railroad features... Read More>> |
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Mar 31 - Apr 2, 2025 - From Missouri to California For A Pair of Steam Charters: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I were most interested in a pair of steam charters organized by Dak Dillon, this time in conjunction with SLORailfanning, specifically the private 3 foot gauage Pacific Coast Railroad in... Read More>> |
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Jan 17-21, 2025 - RPCA Conference - Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Seminars and the Journey Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Royal Gorge History: In the late 1870s, miners descended on the upper Arkansas River valley of Colorado in search of carbonate ores rich in lead and silver. The feverish mining activity in... Read More>> |
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Jan 16, 2025 - RPCA Conference - MxV Rail Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. MxV Rail (full legal name: Transportation Technology Center, Inc. or TTC) is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) which conducts railroad equipment testing and training for... Read More>> |
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Jan 14-15, 2025 - The Journey To the 2025 Railroad Passenger Car Alliance Conference in Pueblo, Colorado: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Pueblo Railway Foundation was formed in 2003 to continue and expand the collection and activities of the Pueblo Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society. The Pueblo... Read More>> |
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Oct 13-15, 2024 - Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, Pennsylvania And The Drive Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Reading station was built in 1929. The Franklin Street Station building was dedicated in 1931 by the Reading Company for use as a... Read More>> |
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Oct 11, 2024 - SMS Lines Shop Tour and Train Ride: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I rode the bus with the National Railway Historical Society Autumn Conference attendees to the SMS Rail Lines Pureland Industrial Complex in Bridgeport, New Jersey... Read More>> |
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Aug 14, 2023 - Siemens Shop Tour by Central Coast Chapter NRHS: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Both Elizabeth and I are members of the Central Coast Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. It was announced in the spring that Steve Ferrari, Chapter President, had organized for a tour of the Siemens Mobility Plant in Sacramento to occur on... Read More>> |
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Oct 11, 2024 - Woodstown Central Railroad Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Autumn Conference of the National Railway Historical Society, sponsored by the Wilmington Chapter, took place in Wilmington, Delaware on October 11th and 12th, 2024. As with all conferences, there was... Read More>> |
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Oct 9, 2024 - Essex Steam Train Photo Charter Day 2: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Valley Railroad 2-8-2 3025 is one of the last major class of steam locomotives built anywhere in the world with the last SY Class engine outshopped in 1999 from the Tangshan Locomotive Works in... Read More>> |
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Oct 8, 2024 - Essex Steam Train Photo Charter Day 1 Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. On Tuesday, our charter will feature a freight working north from Old Saybrook to Goodspeed station. Taking advantage of the best light of the day, we will hit the rails around sunrise. Working photo location until sunset with... Read More>> |
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Oct 5-7, 2024 - The Journey to Essex, Connecticut Featuring Salamanca Station in New York: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. There were two events that were timed perfectly for Elizabeth and I to attend in October. First was a two-day Dak Dillon photo charter on the Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut on... Read More>> |
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Jul 6, 2022 - California Western Railroad and Stations: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The railroad was originally built by the Fort Bragg Redwood Company as the Fort Bragg Railroad in 1885 to carry coast redwood logs from the dense forests at Glenela (Glen Blair) to a newly built lumber mill located 6.6 miles to the west at coastal Fort Bragg, California. Fort Bragg Redwood Company was incorporated into the... Read More>> |
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Sep 26, 2024 - HRA Conference - Fort Smith Trolley Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Fort Smith Railway Company began operation in 1883 with three mule-drawn rail cars, offering the area's first public transportation. As these cars progressed through the unpaved streets, the... Read More>> |
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Sep 26, 2024 - HRA Conference - Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Springdale to Van Buren: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This was the first day of the Heritage Rail Alliance Conference and Elizabeth and I were representing the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway; Elizabeth is the Director of... Read More>> |
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Sep 25, 2024 - Branson Scenic Railway Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The comfort of the vintage passenger cars is quite a contrast to the harsh realities the railroad pioneers found when they undertook bringing rail service to the Ozarks. Laying the tracks for the White River Railway was possibly the... Read More>> |
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Sep 25, 2024 - Ozark Mills at Finley Farms: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Before there was a town, the village carried the name of the mill and its owner. The original mill was built in 1833 by James Kimberling who had the homestead rights to the property. In 1838 he sold the property right to... Read More>> |
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Sep 24, 2024 - Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railroad On The Way to the Heritage Rail Alliance Conference: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Robert Dortch, Sr. had built the Scott and Bearskin Lake Railroad as part of the Plantation Agriculture Museum near Scott, Arkansas, in the 1960s. After his... Read More>> |
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Sep 2-4, 2024 - Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Journey Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum History. Streetcars served America through two world wars and a depression, but affluence and automobiles caused the end of the Trolley Era and a greatly diminished role for... Read More>> |
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Sep 1, 2024 - Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. It is a privately owned heritage railroad company in Kempton, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1963 and operates over an isolated remnant of a former Reading Company line. Its nickname is... Read More>> |
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Sep 1, 2024 - Walkersville Southern Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Walkersville Southern Railroad runs track and structures originally built by the Frederick and Pennsylvania Line railroad. This railroad ran from Frederick to the Pennsylvania-Maryland State line, or Mason-Dixon line near... Read More>> |
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Aug 31, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. After the Northern Central Railway contacted Convention Chairman John Goodman about their diesel not operating, arrangements were made to visit Williams Grove Historical Steam... Read More>> |
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Aug 31, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Ride on the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad. Join us for an 11-mile round-trip train ride along the Swatara Creek. Learn the history of the area, the Union Canal and the railroad from a... Read More>> |
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Aug 30, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Reading and Northern RDC Excursion to Minersville: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Reading & Northern Railroad, also known as Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, is a regional railroad with over 400 miles of track in eastern Pennsylvania. It began operating in... Read More>> |
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Aug 29, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Meetings and Power Director's Office Visit: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Power Director's Office was transferred to Penn Central in 1968 and to Amtrak in 1971. In May of 2022, the Harrisburg Chapter NRHS signed a lease agreement with Amtrak to preserve and... Read More>> |
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Aug 28, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Rockhill Trolley Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Rockhill Trolley Museum is a heritage railway in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania that collects and restores trolley, interurban and transit cars. Founded in 1960, the museum operates what has been historically... Read More>> |
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Nov 23-24, 2007 - A Trip Out To BNSF's Needles Subdivision: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. An old report that missed getting published: Chris Parker had never photographed on BNSF's Needles Subdivision so I proposed the day after Thanksgiving Day out on Friday and back on Saturday. He agreed and... Read More>> |
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Aug 28, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - East Broad Top Railroad and a Shop Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Operating from 1871 to 1956, it is one of the nation's oldest and best-preserved narrow-gauge railroads and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The railroad is now preserved for... Read More>> |
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Aug 27, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located on the east side of Strasburg along Pennsylvania Route 741 and is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum... Read More>> |
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Aug 27, 2024 - 2024 NRHS Convention - Strasburg Rail Road: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Strasburg Rail Road (reporting mark SRC) is the oldest continuously-operating railroad in the western hemisphere and the oldest public utility in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Chartered in 1832, the... Read More>> |
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Aug 26, 2024 - City Park Railroad and Harris Tower: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. A 63 acre island and city park, City Island, in the middle of the Susequhanna River, is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Walnut Street Bridge, an old steel truss street bridge that is... Read More>> |
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Aug 24, 2024 - The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Pennsylvania Railroad freight house was built circa 1895 and home to the Winchester Little Theatre. This group was organized in 1929 "...to present, produce and encourage the production, acting and writing of plays..." by a... Read More>> |
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Aug 21-24, 2024 - The Three-Day Driving Trip to the National Historical Society Convention in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This year's National Railway Historical Society Convention took place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from August 26th to 31st. I bought tickets for... Read More>> |
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Aug 4-5, 2024 - Alliance, Nebraska to Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Chicago and North Western Bassett station built in 1921 was moved from its former location on the north end of Clark Avenue in Bassett to Rock County Historical Museum, where it is now home to countless artifacts and... Read More>> |
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Aug 3, 2024 - The Journey From Billings, Montana to Alliance, Nebraska: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Hardin station built in 1922. Hardin's first railroad depot was moved from Fort Custer after being cut into small sections and transported by train over the... Read More>> |
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Aug 2, 2024 - The Journey From Deer Lodge to Billings, Montana: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Deer Lodge was the division headquarters for the Milwaukee Road, officially known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, until their demise in 1980. Here, the Milwaukee Road was... Read More>> |
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Aug 1, 2024 - Inland Northwest Rail Museum in Reardan, Washington: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth drove us to the downtown location of Frank's Diner in Spokane. She first learned of this restaurant in a railcar a couple of years ago from a posting on Facebook by an acquaintance, while I had never... Read More>> |
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Jul 31, 2024 - Cranbrook Railway Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Canadian Pacific Cranbrook water tower built in 1946 and moved here in 1994. Its original location was across the tracks and about 1,500 feet southwest closer to the railway's... Read More>> |
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Jul 30, 2024 - Nelson Electric Tramway Society: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Canadian Pacific Railway Nelson station is a two-storey, wood-frame structure located near the lakefront, at the foot of the main thoroughfare, on the edge of the City of Nelson. The Canadian Pacific tracks arrived in... Read More>> |
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Jul 29, 2024 - Along The Canadian Border from Agassiz to Castlegar, British Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We used the Canadian Trackside Guide to assist us in finding preserved railway equipment and displays, since neither of us have ever been east of Hope and while we knew of stations, there was much else... Read More>> |
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Jul 28, 2024 - A Day In Greater Vancouver Featuring Burnaby Central Railway and Two B.C. Electric Railway Interurban Cars: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Coach "E&E Taylor", ex. West Coast Railway Association 990603 1997, exx. British Columbia Railway 990603 1995, nee Gulf, Mobile and... Read More>> |
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Jul 27, 2024 - Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. For Elizabeth, this was her return after four-and-a-half years. From May 2014 to December 2019, she volunteered here usually twice a month, on the station side, becoming a Station Master then Station Master Coordinator. In 2018, she... Read More>> |
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Jul 26, 2024 - Railway Museum of British Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Founded in 1961, the West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of the railway history of British Columbia. We operate the Railway Museum of British Columbia. Membership is... Read More>> |
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Jul 26, 2024 - BC Ferries from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Until Spring 2008, the Queen of Cowichan was the main Route 2 (Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay) vessel based out of Nanaimo. In March she was... Read More>> |
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Jul 25, 2024 - Alberni Pacific Railway Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We left the Best Western Barclay Inn and drove to the Canadian Pacific staton and waited for David Hooper to arrive. Elizabeth had been in contact with him because while the Alberni Pacific Railway operates on weekends on... Read More>> |
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Jul 25, 2024 - Duncan to Port Alberni, British Columbia Featuring Duncan Forest Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The two of us arose at the Super 8 in Duncan and after our Internet duties, at the Dog House Family Restaurant where Elizabeth had a veggie omelette and I had French Toast and bacon. It was... Read More>> |
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Jul 24, 2024 - British Columbia Legislature Tour, Victoria Roundhouse, Cliffside and Kinsol Trestle: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. For this day and the next two, Elizabeth would be my tour guide as she grew up in Victoria and had wanted to show me the railway highlights of Vancouver Island... Read More>> |
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Jul 23, 2024 - The Journey from Lacey, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Today Elizabeth and I would take the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. We arose at the Quality Inn and ate at the hotel then drove Interstate 5 to US 101 to State Route 8 to the town of... Read More>> |
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Jul 22, 2024 - Amtrak Cascades and Steilacoom Railfanning: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The route of the Tacoma Streetcar. The T Line, formerly known as Tacoma Link, is a light rail line in Tacoma, Washington, part of the Link light rail system operated by Sound Transit. It travels 4.0 miles and... Read More>> |
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Jul 21, 2024 - South To Tacoma Featuring Great Northern and Cascade Railway and Dacca Park in Fife: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Great Northern & Cascade Railway Railway offers free train rides to the public as well as a railroad education program. The Railroad operates May through October, every... Read More>> |
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Jul 20, 2024 - Pendleton, Oregon to Skykomish, Washington Featuring Northern Pacific Railway Museum and South Cle Elum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose, then following our Internet duties, checked out of the Hotel Pendleton and went to Shari's for a great breakfast. She drove us to... Read More>> |
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Jul 18-19, 2024 - To Pocatello and Pendleton: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose at the Quality Inn in Craig and following our morning preparations, we had breakfast at Cool Water Grille. We then departed Craig and drove towards Interstate 80 but Elizabeth pulled off after I spotted a train... Read More>> |
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Jul 16, 2024 - The Great Pacific Northwest Trip: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. It had been four-and-a-half years since Elizabeth was last at the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway in Surrey, British Columbia. She has remained a Director on the Board and has the Communications portfolio. There have been... Read More>> |
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Jul 6, 2024 - Our Fourth Anniversary Branson Scenic Railroad Dinner Train: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We walked into the depot and picked up our tickets with a car number on the recipt then waited for our car to be called. We would be in BSRX 9320 "Silver Terrace", a 1952 Budd dome-observation from the Chicago, Burlington and... Read More>> |
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Jul 6, 2024 - Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The line on which the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad runs has a long history, stretching back over 100 years to the late 1800's when railroads were branching out in all directions. There were actually two railroads that... Read More>> |
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Jun 9, 2024 - Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose in Gainesville and after our Internet duties, went to International House Of Pancakes before finding the steam engine on display. Seaboard Air Line caboose, number unknown, built by... Read More>> |
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Jun 5-8, 2024 - The 2024 Railroad Station Historical Society Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Hosted by Don Wickersham and Ted Xakellis, this year's convention will be based in Gainesville, Georgia. We shall visit depots of the Atlanta and Florida, Central of Georgia, Georgia Railroad, Louisville and... Read More>> |
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Jun 4, 2024 - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Trains and Atlanta Streetcar: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority was started with a commitment to making public transit a reliable service -- one that boosts economic development and enhances the lives of... Read More>> |
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Jun 3, 2024 - Blue Ridge Scenic Rail Bikes: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Embark on a new and exciting journey through the Blue Ridge Countryside aboard a custom-built, four-person electric Rail Bike! Sit back and explore as you leisurely pedal your motor-assisted rail bike through the foothills of North Georgia. Leave the depot in historic downtown Blue Ridge and... Read More>> |
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Jun 2, 2024 - Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Railroads played a vital role in the development of this area between the 1800's and the early 1900's. They determined the routes of local roads, saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to the growth of small towns as resort communities, and... Read More>> |
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Jun 1, 2024 - Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Copperhill Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The railroad over which Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trains travel on its Hiwassee River Rail Adventures was formerly part of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad's Atlanta... Read More>> |
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May 31, 2024 - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Murphy Branch of the Western North Carolina Railroad delivered thousands of mountaineers from the wilderness of their landlocked hills. A year after iron rails reached Asheville in 1880, workers scattered to the west of the... Read More>> |
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May 30, 2024 - Big South Fork Scenic Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. When Coal, Lumber, and Railroads Were King... In 1902, Justus S. Stearns of Ludington, Michigan bought 30,000 acres of virgin timberland in southern Kentucky. When coal was discovered soon afterwards, the... Read More>> |
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May 29, 2024 - Rail Explorers Railbikes on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad. Built in 1888, this section of the Louisville Southern Railroad once carried passengers from Lawrenceburg to Versailles and Lexington. Now you can ride the rails through the picturesque Kentucky countryside with Rail Explorers. Passing the... Read More>> |
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May 20, 2024 - Colorado Railroad Museum Dak Dillon Photography Steam Charter: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose at the Quality Inn in Durango and following our Internet duties, went to Denny's for a good breakfast then I drove us through Pagosa Springs where we found a.. Read More>> |
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May 18, 2024 - Dak Dillon Photo Charter on the Durango and Silverton Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We arose at the very early hour of 4:30 AM and after our morning preparations, drove to Denny's where I enjoyed French Toast with bacon and sausage. After a fulfilling breakfast, we drove the... Read More>> |
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May 15-16, 2024 - Kansas Depots On The Way To Colorado: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Earlier in the year, Dak Dillon announced two Colorado photo charters, one on the Durango and Silverston and two days later, at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. We planned a route to include... Read More>> |
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May 6, 2024 - National Railway Historical Society Iowa Interstate Inspection Trip: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose and we sat with John Goodman and enjoyed the hotel's breakfast in our building. Iowa Interstate Information. One of the pictures in the second floor hallway in the... Read More>> |
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May 2-5, 2024 - Iowa Depots On The Way to Cedar Rapids: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. This year's National Railway Historical Society spring conference was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and apart from the meetings, a very rare inspection trip was planned on the Iowa Interstate Railroad. Elizabeth is Secretary of... Read More>> |
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April 25-29, 2024 - Our Spring Trip to Van Buren for a Frisco Caboose Ride: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth saw a posting on the Arkansas-Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society's Facebook page about the southbound maiden voyage of our... Read More>> |
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Apr 2-4, 2024 - The Journey Home From Roanoke: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose at the Best Western Plus Valley View and after doing our Internet duties, checked out and I drove us to the Waffle House where we enjoyed a good breakfast. After that, I drove us west on Interstate 81 to... Read More>> |
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Mar 31-Apr 1, 2024 - Stations on the Way to Roanoke and Carl Jensen's Funeral: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose and following our Internet duties, went to Cracker Barrel for an excellent breakfast before we took the Bluegrass Parkway and exited to go to Stanton... Read More>> |
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Mar 30, 2024 - Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles, Kentucky: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Operating out of the Woodford County Park, the railroad offers an eleven mile round-trip excursions through the horse farms of Kentucky to Tyrone, where the train stops at Young's High Bridge and allows... Read More>> |
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Mar 30, 2024 - Kentucky Railway Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Kentucky Railway Museum owes its beginning to a small number of rail enthusiasts who formed a local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1948. In the early 1950's, the Chapter asked the Louisville and... Read More>> |
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Mar 29, 2024 - My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Our train consisted of RJ Corman GP38-2 5580, nee Norfolk Southern GP38 2725 and GP15 1560, RJC 003, RJC 021 and RJC 777 and RJC 607. The tracks we would be on were built in 1860 as the Bardstown and Louisville, later to... Read More>> |
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Feb 19-22, 2024 - A Mid-Week Visit To Sallisaw, Oklahoma: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The St. Louis and San Francisco Crocker station is in Crocker, Missouri. The depot was the last in Pulaski County and served as the mail pick-up and drop-off point for the rest of the county. Now a museum, the... Read More>> |
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Feb 4, 2024 - Depots East of Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We decided to go for a drive and made a plan to photograph some new stations. Elizabeth drove us out to Hermann via Interstate 70 and soon we were at our first depot. Hermann station is the visitor information center and the... Read More>> |
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Jan 15-17, 2024 - The Drive Home From the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance Conference : Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Columbus Union Station built in 1901 and used by Central of Georgia, Seaboard Air Line Railroad and Southern Railway. It was designed in the Second Empire style by the architectural firm of... Read More>> |
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Jan 14, 2024 - SAM Shortline Eastbound Excursion : Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The story of the Savannah, Americus & Montgomery Railway illustrates New South boosterism, boom, and bust in Georgia during the 1880s and 1890s. Founded in Americus by Samuel Hugh Hawkins and other... Read More>> |
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Jan 12 & 13, 2024 - Cater-Parrott Azalea Sprinter & Our Activities on Seminar Day: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. CaterParrott Railnet is a Georgia based company created in 2005. It was founded by two business leaders, Jamie Cater and Christopher Parrott. CPR is set apart from other rail carriers because of our... Read More>> |
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Jan 11, 2024 - The Historic SAM Shortline Railroad Presidential Flyer : Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The story of the Savannah, Americus & Montgomery Railway illustrates New South boosterism, boom, and bust in Georgia during the 1880's and 1890's. Founded in Americus by Samuel Hugh Hawkins and... Read More>> |
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Oct 21-23, 2023 - Central Missouri Depots: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. BNSF 5370 West was our first train at the bridge. The railroad originally incorporated as the St. Louis & Keokuk Railroad on February 16, 1857. The Civil War and various depressions and recessions prevented its actual construction until... Read More>> |
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Oct 21-23, 2023 - East Home to Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Norfolk Southern 3633 West at Wellsville. The Calhan Depot, 704 Fourth Street, was initially built and owned by the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railroad, a separate, but associated company of the Chicago, Rock Island and... Read More>> |
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Dec 6, 2023 - Christmas in Our New House: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. You probably remember that Elizabeth and I moved to Columbia, Missouri in the second half of the year, to be more centrally-located in the country. We would like to share our home and its decorations this Christmas season... Read More>> |
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Oct 20, 2023 - Dak Dillon's Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Photo Charter Day Two: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Rio Grande 168 will pull a mixed consist for the first time on the Cumbres & Toltec. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity! The train will be dated to the World War I era on the DRG&W... Read More>> |
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Oct 19, 2023 - Dak Dillon's Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Photo Charter Day One: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. We will celebrate the Mudhen's 120th birthday with a throwback to the 1950's and 168's 140th birthday with a mixed train for the first time ever on a charter. Rio Grande 463 will feature... Read More>> |
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Oct 16, 2023 - Tuesday Charter Train on the Durango and Silverton Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arose and following our Internet duties, walked over to the Elevated Coffee Company for breakfast as this was the end of the season and no restaurants were open for breakfast. After that, we... Read More>> |
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Oct 15, 2023 - Monday Charter Train on the Durango and Silverton: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. In commemoration of our cherished K-28 locomotives turning 100 years old, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is pleased to offer a very rare and unique opportunity to experience an... Read More>> |
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Oct 13-15, 2023 - To Durango: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. In May, Elizabeth and I decided to participate in the two-day photo charter in October, then in July, Dak Dillon announced his two-day photo charter on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad the same week. With the opportunity to once again ride these... Read More>> |
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Oct 4-7, 2023 - Our House in Columbia and Area Exploration: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Elizabeth and I arrived at our new home in Columbia and here are some photographs before our belongings were delivered. After a good breakfast at the hotel, we came home to find the Allied Van Lines truck in front of... Read More>> |
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Oct 1-3, 2023 - Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad Trip and the Journey to Columbia: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Colorado Pacific 1923 on a grain train at Boone, Colorado. Colorado Pacific Railroad is a rail line that runs from Towner, Colorado to NA Junction, east of Pueblo. It was purchased by... Read More>> |
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Sep 29-30, 2023 - Starting Our Move East To Missouri With A Stop at Soldier Summit: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Move day was upon us! We were eagerly anticipating moving from a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Ana, California to a three-bedroom house in Columbia, Missouri. After Allied Van... Read More>> |
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Sep 15, 2023 - Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Santa Fe 3415 Charter: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The railroad was founded in 1993 as a heritage railway, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the railroad industry in Kansas by highlighting the inter-connectedness of railroads, the people, and the land in... Read More>> |
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Sep 11-14, 2023 - Columbia, Missouri and Kansas Depots: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Missouri-Kansas-Texas Sedalia station built in 1872. Sedalia station, also known as the Katy Depot, was designed by New York architect Bradford Gilbert. It is two-and-a-half stories and was built in the... Read More>> |
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Sep 10, 2023 - Kansas City Streetcar and Missouri Depots: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Chicago and Alton Independence staton was built in 1879. Independence was the start of the Oregon Trail this town that was the frontier, a place as far as steamboat and rail could come, the place that the pioneers came to but from... Read More>> |
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Sep 9, 2023 - Iowa and Missouri Depots: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific West Chester station which has been relocated to Greiner Farms in Keota. Next we proceeded to Oskaloosa for more than we planned. The Oskaloosa Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific station was built in 1888 on the... Read More>> |
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Sep 8, 2023 - Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Boone & Scenic Valley is operated by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization which is dedicated to the preservation of, and educating the public about, the history of Iowa's railroads. Besides the... Read More>> |
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Sep 9, 2023 - National Railway Historical Society Convention Gold Coast Railroad Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Museum was founded in 1956 and built on the former Naval Air Station Richmond. With over three miles of tracks, the old base was an ideal place to build a... Read More>> |
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Sep 4, 2023 - National Railway Historical Society Convention US Sugar Railroad Trip: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. U.S. Sugar Corporation is a privately-owned agricultural business based in Clewiston, Florida. The company farms over 230,000 acres of land in the counties of Hendry, Glades and... Read More>> |
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Sep 3, 2023 - National Railway Historical Society Convention Brightline Trip: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an... Read More>> |
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Sep 1-2, 2023 - Tri-Rail and Miami Metro Trip: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Planning for a new commuter rail line began in 1983 and building the organization began in 1986. The current system was formed by the Florida Department of Transportation and began operation January 9, 1989, to provide temporary... Read More>> |
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Aug 30-31, 2023 - The Journey To Florida For The NRHS Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Tri-Rail train P689 was two trains combined in one movement. Our train came in six minutes late and we took this 18.2 miles to Deerfield Beach and detrained after five stations. I led the way as we trudged the... Read More>> |
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Jun 25-28, 2023 - Oklahoma to Home: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. n Durant was Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railway post office/coach 376 "Pikes Peak" built by Budd Company in 1938 and rebuilt into a diner-lounge-dormitory car. We would then find the freight station... Read More>> |
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Jun 24, 2023 - Motor Cars from McAlester to Red Oak, Oklahoma: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. North American Railcar Operators Association, or NARCOA, is a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation and the safe, legal operation of railroad equipment historically used for... Read More>> |
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Jun 20-23, 2023 - The trip from South Holland, Illinois to Sallisaw and McAlester, Oklahoma: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The St. Louis-San Francisco Jim Crow coach 563 was built by Barney and Smith in 1883. It is primarily wood and has a clerestory roof but during its life, the windows were... Read More>> |
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Jun 19, 2023 - Wendella Boat Tour: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Experience the city/legendary architecture from the best seat in the house the river. Our experienced tour guides the 130-year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour... Read More>> |
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Jun 19, 2023 - Pullman National Historic Site: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the U.S., the sleeping car magnate who helped create it and the workers who lived there. The district is significant for its nfluence on urban planning and design, as well as... Read More>> |
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Jun 18, 2023 - Nickel Plate Road 765 Tri-State Excursion: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Following a successful season of memorable events and recent recognition as Indiana's "Best New Experience from the Indiana Tourism Association, a 1940s-era railroad attraction has expanded its... Read More>> |
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Jun 17, 2023 - Rides on the Jones & Laughlin Steel Narrow Gauge Railroad at the Steel Heritage Museum: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Located in Youngstown, Ohio, the J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 24 inch gauge steel mill demonstration railroad where historic narrow gauge rail equipment... Read More>> |
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Jun 16, 2023 - Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Frostburg Flyer: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Frostburg Flyer departs from Cumberland, Maryland and traverses the scenic Allegheny Mountains to Frostburg. During your ride, you will pass over creeks, steams, bridges, travel though... Read More>> |
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Jun 15, 2023 - Stations, Meyersdale and Salisbury Viaduct: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Western Maryland station is home to the Westernport Heritage Museum which recounts the community's industrial history and showcases a collection of railroad artifacts. The Westernport Heritage Society Museum was... Read More>> |
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Jun 14, 2023 - Greenbrier Express Cass to Durbin and return: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Cass is the home to the world's largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives. Five Shays, one Heisler,and one Climax reside here. The legendary turn-of-the-century class C-80 Shay, 5 has been... Read More>> |
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Jun 12-13, 2023 - West Virginia Stations on the way to Cass Scenic Railway: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Baltimore and Ohio Point Pleasant station now used by CSX. Point Pleasant is located approximately 55 miles downstream from Charleston where the Kanawha River empties into the Ohio River, as well as... Read More>> |
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Jun 11, 2023 - Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and Stations to Gallipolis, Ohio: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway History - The original railroad line we operate over was founded as the Mineral Rail Road on April 14, 1864, to build a railroad from Columbus to Athens, Ohio. In... Read More>> |
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Jun 7-10, 2023 - The Railroad Station Historical Society Convention: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The two travellers, who were now conventioneers, awoke and following our Internet duties, took the elevator downstairs and partook in the hotel's breakfast then returned to the room before boarding the bus and... Read More>> |
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Jun 6, 2023 - The Drive to Toledo with Station Along The Way: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Wheeling and Lake Erie Lodi station was built in 1882. According to the original blueprints, the depot originally stood closer to Railroad and Harris Streets. A passing siding ran between the depot and Railroad Street. The... Read More>> |
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Jun 5, 2023 - Lake Shore Railway Museum, Steam Engines and Covered Bridges: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Meadville Railway station built in 1881 is the original Meadville Railway (later Meadville & Linesville Railroad and later Pittsburgh Shenango and Lake Erie Railroad in 1891) station plus a... Read More>> |
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Jun 4, 2023 - The Gettysburg National Military Park: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. Cumberland Valley Chambersburg station built in 1906 was originally chartered in 1831 to connect with Pennsylvania's Main Line of Public Works. Freight and passenger service in the Cumberland Valley in south central... Read More>> |
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Jun 3, 2023 - Steamtown ride and the Electric City Trolley Museum ride: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Electric City Trolley Museum is a collaborative effort among many different partners. Working together, they have created a premier electric railway museum in Scranton. Back in 1887, Scranton was... Read More>> |
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Jun 2, 2023 - The Rockhill Trolley Museum and Over To Scranton: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler. The Rockhill Trolley Museum is a museum and heritage railway in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania that collects and restores trolley, interurban and transit cars. Founded in 1960, the museum operates what has... Read More>> |
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Jun 1, 2023 - Copley, Ohio to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania: Report & Photos by Chris Guenzler Akron, Canton and Youngstown caboose 63 was built by International Car Company in 1947. In 1984 the caboose was slated for retirement but when the Copley Historical Society found out, they asked AC&Y if they could... Read More>> |
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