History – Page 2 – Railfanning.org

Metuchen Wreck Illustrated Railroad Woes of Late 1970s

July 31, 2015 Todd DeFeo 0

By the late 1970s, railroad were not in a state of good repair. The issue over railroad safety and repair became an issue after a June 1977 Conrail derailment in Metuchen, N.J. In that wreck, 17 cars derailed and took the busy Northeast Corridor out of commission.

A Closer Look at the Roy O. Disney at Walt Disney World

July 31, 2015 Todd DeFeo 0

The Roy O. Disney locomotive has an incredible story. The locomotive, formerly No. 251 of the United Railways of Yucatan, was one of five Disney officials purchased in Mexico for potential use in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Glover Machine Works Played Important Role in Shaping Post-Civil War South [Photos]

July 29, 2015 Todd DeFeo 0

Glover Machine Works was never as big of a locomotive builder as Baldwin Locomotive Works or American Locomotive Co. (ALCO).

Exploring the Legacy of the Milstead Railroad

July 28, 2015 Todd DeFeo 0

The Milstead Railroad had a short history, but it left a lasting legacy on the small hamlet of Conyers east of Atlanta.

A Look at R.J. Corman No. 3501 in Clarksville, Tenn.

July 27, 2015 Todd DeFeo 0

R.J. Corman locomotive No. 3501 is a GP35 that is on static display beside the historic railroad depot on Tenth Street in downtown Clarksville.

Last Traces of Staten Island’s South Beach Line

November 28, 2013 Todd DeFeo 0

It’s been more than 60 years since trains operated over the Staten Island Rapid Transit’s South Beach line, but a bridge pier at the intersection of Clayton Street and St. Johns Avenue is a reminder of the former line.

Railroads’ Humble Beginning (Part III)

October 3, 2012 Todd DeFeo 0

Across the Atlantic Ocean, the United States was keeping pace with its British counterparts.

The End of the Southern’s Crescent

October 2, 2012 Todd DeFeo 0

ATLANTA — While Amtrak started its operations in 1971, not all railroads gave up passenger service. Southern Railways’ Crescent route between New York and New Orleans was once such example. However, by May 1978, Southern was spending $560,000 per month operating the train, which passed through Atlanta. The railroad petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission to discontinue the service, which at that point was the railroad’s only passenger route. In 1978, 195,000 people took the train, down dramatically from the roughly 9 million who used the service during World War II. On Dec. 13, 1978, Amtrak’s board of directors agreed to

Railroads’ Humble Beginning (Part II)

October 2, 2012 Todd DeFeo 0

In 1772, Oliver Evans created a 21-ton boat on wheels that could travel on both land and water. The vehicle boasted a paddle that helped it glide across the water. A steam engine helped it ride along the land.

The Brief Tenure of the Illinois Central Gulf in Middle Tennessee

October 1, 2012 Todd DeFeo 0

After the Tennessee Central wrapped up its operations on Aug. 31, 1968, some of the railroad’s locomotives were parked in Hopkinsville, Ky., news accounts suggest. The next day, the Illinois Central assumed the line’s operations between Hopkinsville and Nashville, Tenn.