SEPTEMBER 2026: The face of North American passenger railroading turns 50 this year, and we celebrate the EMD F40 in our annual Traction & Transit Issue. Gordon Lloyd looks back at five decades of F40 service across North America, David Busse goes trackside with the Grand Canyon Railway fleet, and Justin Franz recalls the days when rebuilt F40s hauled freight in Maine. We also ride MBTA’s shortest rapid transit line with Tim Doherty and explore the Norristown High Speed Line with John Levai. All this and more in the September issue of Railfan & Railroad!

RailNews

‘Big Boy’ to Lead Holiday Tour in November

Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014 will embark on one more tour this November to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

RailNews

UP Sends Fire Train To Douse Flames On Donner

For the second time in a month, Union Pacific dispatched a fire train from Sparks, Nev., to fight a wildfire along their tracks outside of Reno.

Extra Board

The F40 at 50

How a utilitarian EMD design based on the reliable GP40 became the face of modern passenger railroading in North America.

Extra Board

MBTA Blue Line: Boston’s Missing Link to Wonderland

Boston’s shortest rapid transit route still lacks the connections needed to reach its full potential serving East Boston.

Photo Line, RailNews

2026 Railfan & Railroad Center Spread Contest Winners

Each year, we ask our readers to submit their best shots for consideration in our annual Center Spread Contest.

Camera Bag

Camera Bag: What’s The Deal With Mirrorless Cameras?

So then just what the heck do you get if you go with one of these newfangled cameras? At the outset, you will be getting the latest in sensor technology and image quality with features such as a tilting screen that makes very low or very high angle shots possible.