A REASON TO COME BACK

Return to the Rails

Railroading is too big to explore in one visit. Every day brings a different fact and spotter challenge. Every week brings a new locomotive, freight-car or railroad-system spotlight.

Today

1day exploring

TODAY AT THE STATION

Three things to discover right now

DAILY RAILROAD FACT

DAILY SPOTTER CHALLENGE

WEEKLY DEEP DIVES

Keep exploring the railroad

The featured subject rotates automatically each week.

Locomotive SpotlightUnion Pacific Big Boy No. 4014

Explore the enormous 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive, its design, history and modern excursion role.

Locomotive SpotlightEMD SD40-2

Learn why one of EMD's most successful road locomotives became a North American railroad icon.

Locomotive SpotlightALCO PA

Explore the streamlined passenger locomotive remembered for its distinctive styling.

Locomotive SpotlightEMD F7

Follow the cab-unit design that became one of the defining images of dieselization.

Locomotive SpotlightGE ES44AC

Explore a modern six-axle road locomotive built for heavy freight service.

Freight Car SpotlightCovered Hopper

Spot the roof hatches and bottom outlets that identify this common dry-bulk car.

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Identify LocomotivesDatabase and spotting features →Spot Freight CarsVisual identification tool →Learn How Railroads WorkFollow the complete railroad system →Explore Railroad HistoryHow railroads changed America →Build a Model RailroadPlan, build, wire and operate →Young RailfansActivities and train learning →

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Turn today's discovery into your next question

Ask about today's fact, this week's feature, something you spotted trackside, or any railroad subject you want to understand.

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