JULY 2026: Metra Electric — part of the former Illinois Central main line — marks 100 years of operation, and Douglas W. Davidson looks back at the history and development of this vital Chicagoland commuter route. Steve Patterson recalls when the 1947 American Freedom Train visited Kingsport, Tenn., while Kevin Meisenhelter takes us on a tour of today’s Florida East Coast Railway. All this and more in the July issue of Railfan & Railroad!
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Debuts ‘Spirit of 1776’ PCC

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Debuts ‘Spirit of 1776’ PCC

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum became the latest museum to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the debut of a red, white and blue PCC car. 


East Broad Top, Trolley Museum At Odds Over Rail Bikes

East Broad Top, Trolley Museum At Odds Over Rail Bikes

The EBT Foundation and the Rockhill Trolley Museum are at odds over the introduction of rail bike rides on the standard gauge track used by the streetcar museum that is owned by the narrow gauge railroad. 


Speedway to Sunshine: Florida East Coast

Speedway to Sunshine: Florida East Coast

Predictable operations, diverse scenery, and sleek Brightline trains make today’s Florida East Coast a paradise for railfans.


Celebrating a Century of Metra Electric

Celebrating a Century of Metra Electric

Metra Electric, the former Illinois Central six-track main line serving Chicago’s South Side, marks a century under wire.


Railfan & Railroad Announces 2026 Center Spread Contest

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Railfan & Railroad Announces 2026 Center Spread Contest

The Railfan & Railroad Center Spread Contest will provide a skilled and/or lucky photographer the opportunity to see his or her photo grace the center spread of the September 2026 issue.


Camera Bag: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Camera Bag: Trip Planning (and the Danger of Overplanning)

Research ahead of a railfan trip can result in great photos. But sometimes it’s possible to plan a little too much…


Does the Past Matter?

Does the Past Matter?

In the railroad world, the past is never far from reach, and its messages are there if we have the eyes to see them.


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