Railfan & Railroad Magazine July 2026

Description

Railfan & Railroad Magazine 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

Lombard Hobbies - Your Valued Shop for Almost 50 Years!