TRAINS September 2003

Cover story: Get ready for no-man trains
Technology makes it possible; competition might make it imperative. Will railroaders fade away? Remote-control locomotives might be changing everything.


Trackside Guide: Omaha-Council Bluffs
No. 4 in our pull-out guides to North America’s busiest rail hubs untangles the interchanges, paths and bypasses railroads take weaving their way through and around these cities on either bank of the Missouri.


In the footsteps of David and Doc
As the last of steam faded from North American railroads, a new type of train watching was born.


Railroad Blueprint: Bellevue, Ohio, 1955
No moss grew on Nickel Plate’s Bellevue Yard, where fast freights made quick connections.


Map of the Month: BNSF predecessors
Lines on a map connect—or do they? BNSF’s system is big and sprawling, but in many ways still three or four railroads.


Railroad Reading: Last of the Cadillacs
In late 1994, a sweet consist of four SD9s in helper service made their last trek through Tehachapi, ending an era.

Plus expert analysis covering every aspect of railroading.


Don Phillips: Maybe there’s hope railroads and truckers now view themselves as partners in transportation instead of adversaries.


Larry Kaufman: Railroads are beginning to realize loose-car freight opportunities


Locomotives: EMD hopes its SD70ACe sells the railroads on A.C. traction


Passenger Rail: Fast trains’ summer time-keeping plagued by track and heat restrictions


City Rail: Houston METRO takes delivery of first light-rail vehicle; CTA straightens 106-year-old Harrison Curve.


Preservation: Canadian Pacific’s restored 4-6-4, Empress, tours central Canada promoting rail awareness to schoolchildren; B&O Museum assesses damage