What's New - 2025 Archive

yellow diamondNews: Senate passes bill to finance new $135M Seward dock, terminal for passenger ships - 2/27/25
yellow diamondModeling: Adding more table skirts and tunnel walls, creating epoxy post coupler extenders and welcoming guests on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. - 2/27/25
yellow diamondNews: Cherrywood Lane Getaway refurbishes two passenger cars for lodging - 2/26/25
yellow diamondNews: McKeen Motor Car Company Historical Society Update - 2/26/25
yellow diamondRosters: Robert Krol grabbed photos of the new bridge work at Bird and the concrete pillar work at TwentyMile bridge. - 2/25/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: New (ex-BNSF) SD70MACs arrive in Seattle - 2/24/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: Bulktainers captured on flatcars #18836 and #18831 by Robert Krol. - 2/21/25
yellow diamondRosters: Robert Krol popped up in Whittier and snagged us some photos of SD70MAC #4129 (ex KCS units). - 2/21/25
yellow diamondVideo: On February 20, 2025 Robert Krol captured a freight train pulled by SD70MAC numbers 4009, 4129 and 4006 arriving in Whittier 1, 2, 3, 4 - 2/21/25
yellow diamondModeling: Whittier yard gravel installation and passenger cars tweaked for prefect operations on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. - 2/21/25
yellow diamondNews: Alaska House passes HB 65 to fund new passenger dock in Seward for tourism boost - 2/19/25
yellow diamondRosters: The final installments of William Gibson's photos: GP40 #3010 and Train 1, GP40 #3011 along Turnagain Arm and Passenger trains in Anchorage. - 2/18/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: Spreader 9 at Hurricane - 2/17/25
yellow diamondRosters: From the Durand Collection are photos of MRS1 numbers 1604, 1715, 1716, and 1609 and 1602. - 2/16/25
yellow diamondRosters: More William Gibson photos: RDC and Train #3 at the Anchorage Depot (2004), and later down the track, RF1A #1074 near Anchorage. - 2/16/25
yellow diamondNews: Alaska Railroad highlights goals for 2025, beyond - 2/15/25
yellow diamondRosters: William Gibson captures SW-1 #1201 at the Seward Depot in 1957, an engineer's view of Birchwood in 1956, Extra 1506 North leaves Portage in 1957 and Extra 1510 South. - 2/14/25
yellow diamondModeling: Terry Douglas sent individual photos of the new N scale Micro-Train Lines Alaska Railroad Heavyweight 3-Pack (1, 2, 3). - 2/14/25
yellow diamondNews: Two ex-BNSF SD70MACs head to Alaska - 2/14/25
yellow diamondModeling: Celebrating Valentine's Day in style on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. The Eppley Shops continue to fine tune the passenger car roster. - 2/14/25
yellow diamondRosters: Lisa Krol catches a Whittier freight (and 3015!) as it rumbles its way into Anchorage. - 2/14/25
yellow diamondModeling: Many thanks to Randy Thompson for sending photos of the new N scale Micro-Train Lines Alaska Railroad Heavyweight 3-Pack (1, 2). - 2/12/25
yellow diamondRosters: Jonathan Fischer works at an archive that acquired Doug Cummins photo collection. There are over 130,000 images and here are a few from the Alaska Railroad: RSD-1 #1028 and Baldwin #1300. Some of the photos he sent I had already posted years early, but the information on the back of Jonathan's photos provided some additional information on RF1A #1074 and RSD-1 #1026. - 2/12/25
yellow diamondRosters: Detailed photos of MP15 #1551 and #1554 from March 2, 2004. Here are a few of #1551 I took in the diesel shop. - 2/10/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: It just doesn't get any better than this! Steven McKay captures a photo that would even make the professional photographer's jaws drop. Gold drop under. Mic drop. - 2/10/25
yellow diamondVideo: Geoff Brown from the UK with a three part video of Conductor Vern Gillis turning the train around on the Y in Seward. This is a rare capture from the rear observation deck on the Aurora business car. All three videos put together are over 1GB. - 2/8/25
yellow diamondRosters: My favorite lady GP 40 #3015 with a passenger train at the Anchorage depot. You can also get a glimpse of a couple of RDCs as well. Also at the Anchorage depot is a rare sighting of a Tour Alaska dome car.- 2/7/25
yellow diamondModeling: If you are looking for HO or N scale items then be sure to check out Roundhouse Hobbies. - 2/7/25
yellow diamondModeling: We discovered Woodland Scenics Roto Wheel Cleaner doesn't work with a RailPro system. However, we did have success on a distributed power passenger train achieving a 20 car record on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. - 2/6/25
yellow diamondWhere Are They Now?: Remember Ron Simpson purchasing caboose 1091? He has just released the paint scheme. Make sure and check it out this summer at Copper Center. - 2/5/25
yellow diamondRosters: This photo taken by Steve Katkus shows how SD70MAC #4130 is a little bit different from her sisters. Who wore it best? - 2/5/25
yellow diamondNews: The Alaska Railroad announced the 2026 calendar winner, "Big congratulations to Michael Harding of Ohio! He is the winner of our Catch the Train photo contest. Harding snapped this incredible shot of an Alaska Railroad freight train winding along Turnagain Arm on its way to Anchorage. As the winner, he'll take home $1,500, Alaska Railroad tickets and his photo will be featured on the cover of our 2026 calendar!" - 2/5/25
yellow diamondVideo: A very cool YouTube video that gets you up close and personal, ARR 3002, ARR 2005, and ARR 3005 pull out of Whittier, Alaska, with 53 cars in tow towards Anchorage. - 2/5/25
yellow diamondModeling: Athearn has HO scale GP7Ls for sale. - 2/5/25
yellow diamondModeling: Atlas is announcing pre-orders of HO scale MP15 numbers 1553 and 1554. These rascals are DCC ready and even have working ditch lights. - 2/5/25
yellow diamondRosters: James Luc snagged a couple of photos of GP-L #1827 in Dayton Bluffs, Illinois, on its way to a rebuild. - 2/5/25
yellow diamondNews: Historic golden railroad spike will return to Alaska after Anchorage Museum and Nenana team up for purchase - 2/5/25
yellow diamondNews: The Alaska Railroad’s Golden Spike Hammered in by President Harding Will Return to Its Home State - 2/5/25
yellow diamondNews: Anchorage Museum and City of Nenana Announce Historic Acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Railroad Spike - 2/5/25
yellow diamondNo. 557 Info: The January Engine 557 Restoration Company Progress Report - 2/4/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: 0900 Extra Crew pulls one lonely hopper off the Suntrana Branch in Healy. - 2/3/25
yellow diamondRosters: Many thanks to Shane Durand for our first photo of SD70MAC #4129. - 1/31/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: The ARRC is putting out solicitations for inter-consist Wi-fi installation. The passenger cars receiving this equipment is listed in the narrative. - 1/31/25
yellow diamondAdmin: Happy Birthday to Me! Do you appreciate the content of this website? Sure you do! So make a donation to the steam locomotion 557 restoration project in my name! - 1/31/25
yellow diamondVideo: Did you know 100% of this website is created to the sounds of classic rock? Faces - Stay With Me. - 1/31/25
yellow diamondVideo: Check out Rusty Wendlandt's new video, Starting the new layout. Around the ceiling this time - 1/31/25
yellow diamondVideo: Many thanks to Robert Krol for bird dogging two awesome YouTube videos - Alaska Railroad rail barge tour and Windmill train + Railbarge = Railfan Heaven! - 1/31/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: The Alaska Railroad is stepping up its game in containerized freight with the purchase of two well cars, ARR 19301 and ARR 19303. - 1/31/25
yellow diamondModeling: OK, I admit it. I've spent the last five of seven days geocaching and then entered into my multi day birthday celebration. I am behind in getting the modeling reports out so check out two weeks worth of reports on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. - 1/31/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: Sold! - 1/27/25
yellow diamondGolden Spike: The Gold Spike Returns Home - 1/26/25
yellow diamondNews: From the Alaska Railroad, "Weather Alert: Due to extreme conditions, Alaska Railroad has canceled train service today, Jan. 25 and tomorrow, Jan. 26. Refunds for canceled tickets will be processed over the next two weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience and understanding." - 1/25/25
yellow diamondNews: Future BNSF units in St. Louis - 1/22/25
yellow diamondNews: Centennial Seppala Expedition with Jonathan Hayes - 1/22/25
yellow diamondNews: 100th Anniversary of the Serum Run! - 1/22/25
yellow diamondVideo: Ex-Kansas City Southern EMD SD70MACs ARR 3909 and 3946, traversing over the BNSF Seattle Subdivision bound for Alaska. - 1/20/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: Are you trying to model Italy? If so, here are some gondolas for you - gondola 13830 and 13846. - 1/20/25
yellow diamondRosters: I added some MOW manuals: 2009 MOW Track Stability Field Manual, 2009 MOW Welded Rail Manual, 2011 MOW Rail Integrity Manual, 2013 MOW Manual and 2014 Safety Operating Manual. - 1/20/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: Six big MACs! - 1/20/25
yellow diamondRosters: Can anyone help identify these photos. The best guess is this is the NorthStar Stevedoring yard in Anchorage. - 1/19/25
yellow diamondVideo: The granddaughters of Bud and Mary Lovel (Sherman, Alaska) are creating Flagstop Farm at their homestead. Check out this video and make sure to subscribe! Make sure and watch all five of their videos as there is lots of cool stuff. "Enjoy Alaska Everyone!" - 1/17/25
yellow diamondWhere Are They Now?: Mike Gerenday shares some photos of RSD-1 #1034 at the Strasburg Railroad Museum in Pennsylvania. - 1/16/25
yellow diamondModeling: If you need some help modeling/detailing an ALCO MRS-1 then check out these photos provided by Mike Gerenday via Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California. - 1/17/25
yellow diamondRosters: I added entries in the current roster for the future BNSF SD70MACs, 8895 and 8901. I will update the ARRC road numbers once they are formally announced. - 1/17/25
yellow diamondModeling: The Eppley Shops breaths new life into the Alaska Railroad's passenger cars on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. - 1/16/25
yellow diamondWhere Are They Now?: Jonathan Fischer captures ex-ARR GP49 numbers 2806 and 2802 in Wallula, Washington. - 1/13/25
yellow diamondRosters: From Mike Gerenday, ALCO RS1 The Original Roadswitcher by Don Dover from Extra 2200 South. - 1/13/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: Here are detailed photos of gondola #95901 for your modeling pleasure. - 1/13/25
yellow diamondRosters: Last year the ARRC leased from BNSF. During 2004, they leased from Locomotive Leasing Partners (LLPX), a joint venture of GATX Capital and EMD Leasing. Here is an Anchorage shop photo of LLPX #2275. - 1/13/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: Snow fleet from Anchorage to Spencer. - 1/13/25
yellow diamondRosters: From the Durand Collection, Whitter shuttle and Whittier shuttle on the move.- 1/12/25
yellow diamondRosters: Here are some detailed photos of MP15 #1553. - 1/12/25
yellow diamondMaps: To assist in your model train layout, Mike Gerenday shares yards maps from 2009-2013 and a 2010 Track Chart. - 1/11/25
yellow diamondRosters: From the Durand Collection, Whitter barge, circa 1970s and the Cruise Train. - 1/11/25
yellow diamondAdmin: I've been posting large format photos (2048x1152) on the website without first using thumbnails. If you need thumbnails posted first then make sure and let me know so I can change my mode of operation. - 1/10/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: Locomotive crane LC107 in Matanuska along with a few pieces of MOW rolling stock. - 1/10/25
yellow diamondModeling: Operations abound with visitors and grandsons on my HO Alaska Railroad layout. Rick installs the south portal rock walls as well as Whittier Depot street lamps. - 1/10/25
yellow diamondModeling: I just got my HO scale Accurail USRA 55 ton 2 bay hopper from Roundhouse Hobbies. It looks great! Make sure you stock up on a bunch of these beauties! - 1/8/25
yellow diamondRosters: From the Durand Collection, CP weed burner, circa 1980s. - 1/7/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: Patrick Durand added additional commentary on Mine Safety #5. - 1/7/25
yellow diamondNews: Alaska Railroad purchases two BNSF SD70MACs - 1/6/25
yellow diamondPicture of the Week: The winter AuRoRa on a beautiful winter morning. - 1/6/25
yellow diamondNo. 557 Info: The December Engine 557 Restoration Company Progress Report - 1/4/25
yellow diamondRosters: From the Durand Collection, 3018 North on the House Track at the Palmer Depot and No. 3015 heading up a southbound train heading to Seward. - 1/1/25
yellow diamondFreight/Passenger: From the Durand Collection, retired passenger car Mine Safety #5. - 1/1/25
yellow diamondNews: Roundhouse Hobbies HO scale custom run Accurail USRA 55 ton 2 bay coal hopper - 1/1/25
yellow diamondAdmin: Happy New Year! - 1/1/25
yellow diamondNo. 557 Info: Engine 557’s 2024 Fund Raising Campaign – On “Giving Tuesday,” December 3, the official Engine 557 2024 fund raising campaign was kicked off. Two board members have made a $20,000 in matching contribution challenge for a dollar-for-dollar match for each contribution. Please consider contributing and having your contribution doubled.   Click here to find out more about Engine 557 and to view 12 years of monthly status reports with over 3,000 photos.   To contribute via credit card, debit card, Paypal, or check go to the donate page. You are also welcome to pay a visit to the 557 Engine House, take a tour, and leave a generous contribution. - 12/3/24
yellow diamondVideo: Many thanks to Jeff McCrea for bird dogging this video of an Alaska Railroad Passenger Train at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. - 12/30/24