TRAINS April 2005

Freight Car Catch-22
Combine a cyclical economy with a risky car-building market, and freight car shortages are bound to occur in some years.

Wendy and the Lost Boys
Working Southern Pacific's Lawrence Switcher exacted tolls that friendship could ease, but not erase.

2004 Photo Contest Winners
We gave our readers a challenge: Document today's railroaders at work. And they did — in the yards, shops, and offices.

Riding a Bird on a Prayer
The Wabash's special stop at Ashburn meant I was living my dream.

Map of the Month: Kansas City Tonnage
K.C.'s traffic density in 1971 and 2003.

Erie’s 'Top Notch' Engineer
In an era of polish and pride, Erie Railroad engineer Harvey Springtstead found fame and honor.

Plus expert analysis covering every aspect of railroading.

Railroad News & Photos: NS crash raises safety concerns, West coast storms sock UP.

Don Phillips: Narrow-gauge railroad in east Africa yields some surprises.

Mark Hemphill: Investors aren't public servants — despite public opinion.

Locomotives: GM finally bids adieu to EMD.

Passenger: The battle of Concord — over the Downeaster.

City Rail: A police encounter prompts Metra to clarify photo policy.

Preservation: Louisiana-built 2-8-2 returns to steam.