Open Hearth
While other rail producers used the Bessemer Process to create the steel in their rails, the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company would become one of the first rail mi... (more)

6:02 PM. As Amtrak patrons wait for the arrival of Amtrak train number 95, a southbound coal enters the yard. Seen here is the wheel of a coal car just before hitting a rail joint on track 1.

Although these concrete ties that are part of the High speed rail project may appear to be new to the industry, some may find it surprising that concrete ties were in use on the EJ&E Railway at Wh... (more)

Controlled Cooling
With a defect clearly seen at the head of the rail due to the noticeable rust there, this weld had no chance in keeping the rail together as the low temperatures of ... (more)

Insulation Station
Numerous insulated rails await their installation somewhere along the tracks of the NS Atlanta South District, but until then they patiently sit alongside the mainl... (more)

On the west end of Minnesota's Iron Range, Essar Steel Minnesota is bringing a new era of mining to Minnesota’s mighty Iron Range by building a state of the art open pit mining, concentrating an... (more)

A top view of "Rail Burn" with the added reflection from a sunny blue sky

The bitter cold can play havoc on track. Here, two Wisconsin Central trackmen fix broken track bolts that were sheared off by the contracting rail in a “pull apart.” A kerosene-soaked rope is ... (more)

Main Line of Mid-America
Part of the original double track mainline from Jackson to Ponchatoula, Mississippi on the Illi... (more)

Its amazing how easily they break when tightened.

The greatest effort required from a locomotive is when starting from a stop. If too much power is applied the turning force to the wheel will greatly exceed the opposing friction of the surface of... (more)

Rail so new that the price tag is still attached. This is the brand new yard lead for the sand plant located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Northern will be serving the EOG Resources ... (more)

An old spur track from the Chicago & Alton Railroad that once led to the depot in the background is said to be the oldest Depot in Illinois. On May 5, 1865, Lincolns funeral train made an attempt ... (more)

The blue sky reflects off the well worn diamonds at Union Station where over 100 trains a day cross paths.

The detail of the wheel taking the curve of the Viaduto Carvalho and entering to Marimbi station with a loaded train to the port of Paranagua.