TRAINS October 2005

How Fast Can This Horse Run?
Norfolk Southern lost its stride after buying 58 percent of Conrail. Now, the Thoroughbred is back in the race.

Wisconsin & Southern at 25
Growing in both revenue and track-miles, this ambitious regional has proved it’s got what it takes. But can the railroad’s tracks take what it’s got?

Map of the Month: Rock Island Lines, 1964
A look at the big granger’s system, including types of signaling and train control, in what happened to be its last profitable year.

Interurban Triumph
In Philadelphia, SEPTA’s three suburban electric lines combine the spirit of a 19th century interurban with a 21st century mission.

On the Road with Extra Southern Pacific 745
The engineer of an 86-year-old 2-8-2 on a 1,000 mile trek asks: Is a MoonPie from Deana Mae worth fighting a troublesome air pump