Trains November 2017

The cult of the operating ratio
By Bill Stephens
Has a simple formula, operating expenses divided by revenue, been taken to extremes in railroading?

EMD passenger units through the years
By David Lustig
From E8 to F40 to F125, three generations of evolution

2017 Trains Photo Contest winners
We asked for your images that represent “Lucky 7.” See our choices and learn the theme for next year’s contest

Map of the Month: BN’s brief passenger history
By Bill Metzger
Burlington Northern’s routes, from its March 1970 creation to Amtrak’s birth in May 1971

A valley, history, and hope
By David Lustig
Southern Pacific narrow gauge lives on

The dumbest (railfan) thing I ever did
By Ed Clopton
I thought I knew the rules until a 'California Zephyr' crew told me otherwise

In My Own Words: Seeing red
Or, is it a yellow fusee? A new brakeman learns his opinion counts to stay safe on the rails