Railfan & Railroad July 2026

Features: When Freedom Came to Kingsport by STEVE PATTERSON— An eight-year-old railfan was duly impressed when the 1947 American Freedom Train rolled into Kingsport, Tenn. Speedway to Sunshine by KEVIN MEISENHELTER— Predictable operations, diverse scenery, and sleek Brightline trains make today’s Florida East Coast a paradise for railfans. I’ll Never Go Coach Again by DAVID BUSSE— Recalling an unforgettable first class trip aboard Algoma Central business car Agawa in 2000. M-497: Unmatched for Speed by OTTO M. VONDRAK— With help from a surplus jet, New York Central set a North American rail speed record in 1966 on a straightaway in Ohio. Celebrating a Century of Metra Electric by DOUGLAS W. DAVIDSON— The former Illinois Central six-track main line serving Chicago’s South Side marks a century under wire. Departments: Departures — commentary/Alexander Benjamin Craghead Remembering David Plowden 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 Yesterday Collector Corner — Railroad antiques and ephemera/Otto M. Vondrak Collecting Railroad Maps Camera Bag — Photography tips and techniques/Justin Franz More LCL: Less Than a CAMERA BAG High Iron — Railroaders share their stories/Nat Reed The Gandy Dancers Markers — Additional thoughts from your editors Parting Shot — Don Kalkman