Railfan & Railroad September 2026

Features: SPECIAL: Big Boy Visits Steamtown by JOHN HANKEY— Hosting the world’s largest operating steam locomotive at Steamtown required a monumental effort in planning and logistics. MBTA Blue Line by TIM DOHERTY— Boston’s shortest rapid transit route still lacks the connections needed to reach its full potential serving East Boston. 2026 Center Spread Contest SPECIAL— Of the hundreds of creative trackside photos submitted for our contest, only one winner can grace the coveted center spread. The F40 at 50 by GORDON LLOYD JR.— How a utilitarian EMD design based on the reliable GP40 became the face of modern passenger railroading in North America. Grand Canyon F40s by DAVID R. BUSSE— At Grand Canyon Railway, upgraded F40s were a logical choice to handle the demands of its popular excursion service. F40 Is For Freight by JUSTIN FRANZ— Power-hungry Bangor & Aroostook turned to Amtrak for a great deal on rebuilt F40s to fi ll out its freight roster. Norristown High Speed Line by JOHN LEVAI— A unique suburban shuttle links communities northwest of Philadelphia with the Market-Frankford Line and more. SPECIAL: Next Stop: FIFA World Cup by MICHAEL T. BURKHART— NJ Transit stepped up with expanded World Cup service while keeping disruptions to its regular schedule to a minimum. Departments: Departures — commentary/Alexander Benjamin Craghead Does Transit Count as ‘Railroading’? Railnews — top news stories and photos from our readers Transit Currents — transit news/compiled by Bob Gallegos Railroadiana — new product, book, and video reviews Timetable — railroad event listings submitted by our readers Through My Lens — trackside memories/Kevin EuDaly Tomorrow Preservation Topics — Historic railway preservation/Chris Fussell Saving an F40 Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors Parting Shot — Otto M. Vondrak