Classic Trains Spring 2020

Features 

Steam, Diesels, and DisruptionBy Michael E. IdenDieselization: The greatest change in 20th century railroading had profound effects on carriers, suppliers, and employees

Disappearing Railroad BluesBy Don L. HofsommerLine abandonments: From a peak of 254,000 miles in 1916, rail routes fell by more than halfCheaper by the ThousandsBy Jerry A. PinkepankUnit trains: A 1959 ICC decision led to more traffic, moved at lower ratesTemples of Train TravelBy Robert S. McGonigalPassenger terminals: Great stations rose as the rail industry neared its peakSupersize LoadsBy Jeff WilsonFreight cars: Large, specialized freight cars helped the industry win traffic and carry record tonnagesStronger TogetherBy H. Roger GrantMergers: Corporate consolidations changed the landscape of the industry after World War IIRemote-Control RailroadingBy Fred W. FraileyCentralized traffic control: How a 1920s innovation became part of railroading's bedrockConstraining CommerceBy Michael W. BlaszakRegulation: Government oversight stifled competition — and promoted safety — for almost a century

Fulfilling the Promise of SteamBy Kevin P. KeefeSuper Power steam: How a small locomotive builder developed a winning formula for the futureBlack Diamonds from the Great PlainsBy Jerry A. PinkepankPowder River coal: Demand for low-sulfur coal was a bonanza for Western railroadsThe Long Good-ByeBy Joe WelshPassenger rail's decline: Railroads saw their virtual monopoly on intercity travel evaporate in the face of automobile and airline competitionTrains + Photography = TRAINSBy Scott LothesRise of railfan culture: In 1940, a new magazine emerged as a forum for railfans who took pictures of trainsStrike of the CenturyBy H. Roger GrantShopmen's Strike of 1922: A widespread job action left a positive legacyColorful ClassicBy Karl ZimmermannWarbonnet paint scheme: Santa Fe's Warbonnet is an industry iconStraighter, Flatter, FasterBy Jerry A. PinkepankRailroads rebuild: Railroads upgraded their 19th century plant to handle 20th century trafficPartnering with the EnemyBy Fred W. FraileyIntermodal freight: Railroads regained traffic lost to trucks by hauling trailers and containersUpstairs, Downstairs, and in BetweenBy Kevin J. HollandMulti-level passenger cars: Innovative car designs added new dimensions to rail travelMore Freight, Fewer PeopleBy Jerry A. PinkepankLabor productivity: Aided by technological advances and sensible work agreements, growth in rail labor productivity has been continualReversing CourseBy Bob JohnstonPassenger rail's renaissance: What and who helped bring back passenger railDown by the StationBy H. Roger GrantDemise of the depot: Once the center of small town life, country depots gradually faded from the scene