Virtual Railfan

09/14/2025

Welcome to Skykomish, Washington! This camera sees upwards of 30 trains per day, including Amtrak’s Empire Builder as well as the "Boeing" trains. Watch it here: https://virtualrailfan.com/skykomish/

09/12/2025

On September 1st, Amtrak's Southwest Chief made a station stop just as a BNSF train was rounding the corner. Watch this live train camera here: https://www.youtube.com/live/iz9IQhp_fu0

09/11/2025

Never forget!

Today, we remember and honor those that lost their lives on 9/11. May we . 🇺🇸

09/11/2025

“Three Brits walk into Fort Madison…”
🚂🇬🇧 Sounds like the start of a bad joke but it's real!

These strangers John, Ian, and Robert, all came from different corners of England. After watching us on Virtual Railfan they each decided to make the trip to Chicago then travel via Amtrak's Southwest Chief, and somehow all ended up here at the same time!

Now they’re staying at the Kingsley Inn, railfanning together, and proving that Fort Madison can bring the world together… one train at a time. 🚂✨

✨ John is basically a regular at this point—this is his third 9-day visit, and came from the Stonehenge area!
✨ Robert popped in for a day before heading to Kansas City for more exploring.
✨ And Ian? Well, his wife wanted to go to the Amazon… but he chose Fort Madison trains instead. Amazing!

Welcome to Fort Madison! We’re so glad that you’re here!

09/10/2025

Several days ago, BNSF ran its Office Car Special through Fort Madison, Iowa.

09/10/2025

Yesterday, the railfan and railroading community lost a good one, Terry Redeker (pictured on the far right), of Rock Island Rail and Redeker Rail Video. Terry was well-known in West Tennessee and was involved in the Mississippi Delta Railroad's rebrand back in 2020. He also operated a popular YouTube Channel, page, and was one of the early users of drones for railroad photography. He will be missed by all who knew him, including us!

Rest in peace, Terry.

09/06/2025

One of Genesee & Wyoming's new Veterans Units was recently seen at Norwalk, rolling by our live train camera at night.

09/04/2025

The CSX track geometry was seen earlier this summer at Deshler, Ohio, with the ex-MARC GP40WH-2 in charge. Become a Virtual Railfan member to watch this camera live. Click here to join now for just $4.99 monthly: https://virtualrailfan.com/memberships/

09/04/2025

This MOW equipment was captured at Revelstoke a few weeks ago. Always neat to see oddball railroad equipment like this. Become a Virtual Railfan member to watch this camera live. Click here to join now for just $4.99 monthly: https://virtualrailfan.com/memberships/

09/04/2025

Super cool! Lettered for Kentucky Steam but still looking like EJ&E.

Surprise! EJ&E Caboose 530 is ready for the Ravenna Railroad Festival 2025 this weekend!

Minor touch-up paint and some window work remain, but otherwise, this classic cab is ready for service! The caboose is a much-needed addition to our train consist, providing additional capacity, revenue, and an added experience for our guests.

Come down for the festival and see it for yourself!

09/02/2025

So strange to see Amtrak's Cascades Service train dead-in-tow at Arvada, rolling around the Big 10 Curve! Become a Virtual Railfan member to watch this camera live. Click here to join now for just $4.99 monthly: https://virtualrailfan.com/memberships/