Railfan & Railroad October 2026

Features: Western New York & Pennsylvania Alco Farewell by DAVID BAER— After 25 years of four and six-axle Alco power, WNYP’s colorful Century fleet is giving way to secondhand EMDs. Livonia, Avon & Lakeville: End of the Alco Era by OTTO M. VONDRAK— Long an Alco stronghold, the LA&L family is transitioning to EMD and low-emission Tier 3 and Tier 4 locomotives. Photo Line: Big Boy’s Coast-to-Coast Tour SPECIAL— This past summer, Union Pacific took Big Boy 4014 on a nationwide tour, including a fi rst visit to the East on Norfolk Southern lines. Arizona Alcos by GORDON LLOYD JR.— The Copper State has hosted a variety of Alcos from short lines and industrial operations to modern excursion railroads. Quebec’s MLW Survivors by LUCAS LEIGHTON— Regional railroads across Quebec continue to keep vintage Montreal Locomotive Works diesels busy hauling freight. The Empress of Agincourt by JIM BOYD— Any six-motor Alco is rare, but CP 8921 has a history that is uniquely Canadian. A Second Chance with Southern 4501 by STEVE BARRY— The ScaleTrains-sponsored Summerville Special offered a second chance to catch Southern 4501 in its classic green and gold colors. Departments: Departures — commentary/Alexander Benjamin Craghead Alco: Sometimes Sentiment Wins Railnews — top news stories and photos from our readers Passenger and Transit — News/compiled by George Fletcher Railroadiana — new product, book, and video reviews Timetable — railroad event listings submitted by our readers Through My Lens — trackside memories/Kevin EuDaly Forever Business & Technology — Analysis/David C. Lester Does the U.S. Really Need High-Speed Rail Now? The High Iron — Railroaders share their stories/Peter Mosse Once a Railwayman... Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors Parting Shot — Justin Micillo