Extra Board

Welcome to Trains & Railroad of the Past’s Extra Board! We explore a different perspective of classic late era railroading every month. Extra Board welcomes your submissions. We’re looking for about 1500 words accompanied by two or three photos. Each photo should be no smaller than 14 inches (or 1024 pixels) across at 72 dpi (no verticals, please). Brief caption information must accompany each photo. Please send your inquiries to the Webmaster for consideration.

New England Nostalgia

February 15, 2024

New England Nostalgia

A fond look back at the colorful railroads, regionals, and short lines that once served New England in the late 20th century.

In A Few Backyards in Baltimore

December 12, 2023

In A Few Backyards in Baltimore

Exploring the railroads around Baltimore during a visit with family in the spring of 1964, as illustrated through photographs by Gale E. Treiber.

Bill Kalkman’s Baltimore

December 12, 2023

Bill Kalkman’s Baltimore

Colorful railroad action in and around Baltimore, including main lines and short lines of the 1970s and 1980s, through the lens of Bill Kalkman.

“The Brothers”

December 11, 2023

“The Brothers”

Looking back at a career in railroading spanning Lehigh Valley, Conrail, and Reading & Northern, and how great co-workers help get the job done.

St. Louis Blues: Derailment Aftermath

July 14, 2023

St. Louis Blues: Derailment Aftermath

A railfan comes upon the aftermath of a derailment in a St. Louis switching district involving Missouri Pacific and a Soo Line boxcar.

A Day Trip to Pittsburgh: 1958

July 14, 2023

A Day Trip to Pittsburgh: 1958

A day trip to Pittsburgh in 1958, riding Pennsylvania Railroad’s commuter train from Beaver Falls.

WISCONSIN: The Clock Was Ticking!

July 14, 2023

WISCONSIN: The Clock Was Ticking!

A railfan trip to Wisconsin in 1992 to witness the final days of Green Bay & Western and Fox River Valley Railroad before they were swallowed up by Wisconsin Central.

Anthracite Country: Hazleton West

March 2, 2023

Anthracite Country: Hazleton West

In this issue we will follow the line from Hazleton to Mount Carmel where the Lehigh Valley interchanged with the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Exploring Wichita Falls, Texas: 1962-1963

March 2, 2023

Exploring Wichita Falls, Texas: 1962-1963

A New Jersey native explores the colorful railroads around Wichita Falls, Texas, while attending Air Force Transportation Officer School at nearby Sheppard Air Force Base.

Erie Lackawanna in Rutherford: Remarkable People

March 2, 2023

Erie Lackawanna in Rutherford: Remarkable People

Witness big-time Erie Lacakwanna action and meet the people who made it possible in the area surrounding Rutherford, New Jersey.