The schedule is now out for the eastern leg of the UP 4014 Big Boy and it includes a short whistle stop in North East! We’ll be able to take photos while it waits for 10 minutes instead of trying to catch it on the run. This is a must see event for everyone. You […]
UP 4014 Big Boy Finishes Western Leg of Tour – Eastern Leg Begins May 25th
The Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy 4014 has completed the western leg of the 2026 coast to coast tour. It’s now back in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a month of maintenance (Steam engines have a LOT of moving parts!) before beginning the eastern leg of the tour beginning May 25th. Assuming no problems are encountered in […]
Will Schools Take Advantage of What a Massive Steam Locomotive Can Teach?
There’s been enormous interest in the Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 which will pass through North East, but I wonder how many readers picked up on my statement in the article that it’s “U.S. history, mechanical engineering and physics all rolled into one.” Actually, it’s even more than that and our schools should use it […]
Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014 Will Pass Through North East
From the Golden Age of American Railroads Whether you are a fan of railroads and locomotives or not, this is U.S. history, mechanical engineering and physics all rolled into one, so you really should take note. It appears the Union Pacific, 4-8-8-4 Big Boy steam locomotive will be passing through North East. This is one […]
Did You Know Communities Can Request Railroad Crossing Quiet Zones?
There are many loud noises associated with business, industry and transportation that most of us take for granted. They may be annoying and tiresome, but that’s just the way it is and there’s nothing you can do about it, … or is there? Some loud noises can be controlled with technology, that’s why cars have […]
New Finger Lakes Rail Experience Offers a Great Nearby Summer Road Trip Idea
Summer is finally arriving. Are you looking for a nearby summer road trip destination offering something different and fun? You might want to consider the new Finger Lakes Railway Experience launching over the Fourth of July weekend. The FLX Rail Experience will operate a five-car train with deluxe coach, premium, and first-class accommodations. This excursion […]
Classic Trains Magazine Mentions “Erie-Built” Fairbanks-Morse Diesel Locomotives
Classic Trains Magazine’s Summer 2024 issue, just out, has an interesting article for railfans in this area. It tells how Fairbanks-Morse got a little help from the local GE plant when they needed to build more locomotives, but didn’t have enough space at their factory in Wisconsin. These older diesels from 1945, like the old […]
GE Locomotive on Display in North East Gets Trains Magazine Recognition
A restored GE locomotive, the Chesapeake & Ohio B30-7 No. 8272, is currently being highlighted on Trains.com. Painted in the famous yellow, orange and black “Chessie Cat” color scheme which it wore when initially delivered, it’s currently on display at the Lake Shore Railway museum, having arrived there seven years ago. (Has it really been […]
CSX Executive Train Passes Through North East
Turning the corner on to Cemetery Road today, I saw the crossing gates coming down for an approaching train. Expecting one of the usual container trains or car carriers, I was surprised to see a fast moving passenger train, led by a trio of EMD F40 locomotives in a dark blue color scheme with about […]
Western NY & Pennsylvania RR Discontinues Service Between Jamestown and Saegertown
Railfans in the area, and there are a lot of them, may be interested to know that the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad has discontinued service on their track between Jamestown, NY and Saegertown, PA. There’s been very little freight rolling on those rails, last year there were only three freight cars moved for […]