Passenger Train Journal

04/10/2026

Why did I want to go to Churchill, the northern Manitoba outpost that describes itself as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World?” An EMD retiree buddy had gone there more than 40 years ago on VIA Rail Canada, and he wanted to see if there were any changes after all that time. So I got to thinking that, for me, joining him for the trip on VIA to Churchill would add to my rare mileage, and might provide a chance to see one or more polar bears...

Riding VIA Rail's unique passenger service to Churchill, Manitoba, an adventure to a subarctic port home to polar bears.

04/07/2026

The Arrow III fleet of stainless-steel electric multiple-unit (EMU) rail cars owned by NJ TRANSIT has been serving commuters throughout central and western New Jersey for almost 50 years. Built in 1977 and 1978 by General Electric, the cars share the general appearance of their Silverliner IV and Arrow II predecessors, combining fluted sides and roofs, oval windows, doors at the car center and ends, and inboard-bearing trucks. Entering 2026, the Arrow IIIs have maxed out their useful life and replacement Multilevel III equipment is on the way...

After 50 years of reliable service in the Garden State, NJ Transit's Arrow III workhorses approach the end of the line.

04/02/2026

To bolster the commuter rail fleet, SEPTA is purchasing a fleet of Bombardier coaches from EXO in Montreal.

03/19/2026

Built through sparsely populated northern Maine to convey agricultural products and timber to markets in southern New England and beyond, Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (known as “B&A” to locals, but with reporting marks BAR) ran a limited number of passenger trains. One of them was an overnight train providing sleeping cars between Boston and northern Maine points. Its name, the "Potatoland Special," celebrated the valuable commodity grown and harvested along its route...

Remembering Bangor & Aroostook’s northern Maine passenger services from the turn of the century through the 1960s.

03/19/2026

Early Bird Special! Free shipping to U.S. Addresses ends June 30, 2026.

For more than half a century, Railway Express Agency moved America’s commerce from coast to coast and to nearly every town across the country. This comprehensive new volume traces the full history of REA, from its origins and corporate structure to the realities of daily express operations. Detailed chapters examine rolling stock, terminals and facilities, air express service, logos and emblems, and the vast green truck fleet that carried the familiar red-and-white shield into nearly every city and town in America until 1975.

More than 300 photographs, diagrams, and technical drawings, including original illustrations by author Vic Roseman, provide unmatched visual and technical depth. Extensive appendices and a chapter on modeling REA equipment make this the definitive history of Railway Express Agency.

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For more than half a century, Railway Express Agency moved America’s commerce from coast to coast and to nearly every town across the country. This comprehensive

02/20/2026

FIRST QUARTER 2026: In this issue John Levai examines NJ TRANSIT Arrow III EMUs as they near the end of nearly 50 years of service, with new Multilevel III cars on the way. Russell T. Sharp rides VIA Rail Canada’s Chicago–Churchill service, traveling from the Midwest to the shores of Hudson Bay — dome car included. Looking back, Jonathan J. Boyle Sr. traces the story of The Reveler, a Chicago-based private observation car that began life on Pennsylvania Railroad’s Blue Ribbon Fleet. Thornton Waite adds more nostalgia with a history of Bangor & Aroostook’s Potatoland Special and other once-vital northern Maine passenger runs. All this and more in the First Quarer 2026 issue of Passenger Train Journal.

01/16/2026

Look for our booth at the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, Mass., on January 24-25, 2026!

Look for us at the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show at the Big E in West Springfield, Mass., January 24-25, 2026! Our booth is located in the Young Building, Section 79. We'll have all your favorite railroading books and magazines for sale!

12/21/2025

Your webmaster riding MTA LIRR from Lynbrook, N.Y., to Grand Central Terminal via change at Jamaica to ride the new East Side Access line.The escalators and passages from thr new LIRR station under GCT lead right to the Lower Level for convenient connections.

12/21/2025

Your webmaster riding MTA LIRR from Penn Station to Lynbrook, N.Y., on a Sunday afternoon.

12/21/2025

Our webmaster shares additional views from Grand Central Terminal in New York City. This facility was designed and built by New York Central and opened in 1913. Currently the exclusive home to MTA Metro-North Railroad commuter trains since 1991.

12/20/2025

Grand Central Terminal

12/08/2025

Grand opening of Buffalo Metro Bus & Rail DL&W Station on the waterfront opposite Key Bank Center. Erie Lackawanna closed this unique two level station in 1962, and in 1979 it became part of the light rail project serving as yard and maintenance shed after the head house was demolished. Opening of this station represents the first expansion of service since the entire 6.4 mile line opened in 1986.