Trains November 2017

The cult of the operating ratioBy Bill StephensHas a simple formula, operating expenses divided by revenue, been taken to extremes in railroading?EMD passenger units through the yearsBy David LustigFrom E8 to F40 to F125, three generations of evolution2017 Trains Photo Contest winnersWe asked for your images that represent “Lucky 7.” See our choices and learn the theme for next year’s contestMap of the Month: BN’s brief passenger historyBy Bill MetzgerBurlington Northern’s routes, from its March 1970 creation to Amtrak’s birth in May 1971A valley, history, and hopeBy David LustigSouthern Pacific narrow gauge lives onThe dumbest (railfan) thing I ever didBy Ed CloptonI thought I knew the rules until a 'California Zephyr' crew told me otherwiseIn My Own Words: Seeing redOr, is it a yellow fusee? A new brakeman learns his opinion counts to stay safe on the rails