Extra Board

Welcome to Passenger Train Journal’s Extra Board! Enjoy previews and features from the pages of our magazine.

Harley’s Hornet: Amtrak in West Virginia

January 15, 2024

Harley’s Hornet: Amtrak in West Virginia

The politics and legacy of Amtrak’s “Potomac Special” and its kin serving West Virginia and the constituents of Sen. Harley O. Staggers.

The “Utah Parks Special”

January 15, 2024

The “Utah Parks Special”

Traveling with Union Pacific Railroad to the national parks of southern Utah was a seasonal vacation attraction until 1960.

The Lure of the North: Riding the Polar Bear Express

January 15, 2024

The Lure of the North: Riding the Polar Bear Express

Now much more than a tourist train, the ride from Cochrane to Moosonee aboard Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express is a vital connection.

Remembering the Northlander

January 15, 2024

Remembering the Northlander

Four little trains with a European pedigree that provided upgraded passenger service on Ontario Northland between Toronto and Cochrane.

Orlando Welcomes Brightline

December 13, 2023

Orlando Welcomes Brightline

The new Brightline expansion to Orlando Airport opened on September 22, 2023, ushering in a new era for passenger rail in Florida.

Mexico’s Tren Maya

December 13, 2023

Mexico’s Tren Maya

Mexico’s Tren Maya project is opening years ahead of schedule, and its hoped to bolster tourism throughout the region.

War, Rockets, and The Morning Dew

December 13, 2023

War, Rockets, and The Morning Dew

Amid Vietnam protests at school, a trip on the Rock Island from Chicago to Peoria was a welcome diversion in the spring of 1970.

Trailblazer: Amtrak Ethan Allen Express

December 13, 2023

Trailblazer: Amtrak Ethan Allen Express

A round trip on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express, recently extended from Rutland north to Burlington, Vermont.

Alaska Railroad’s Whittier Shuttle

July 15, 2023

Alaska Railroad’s Whittier Shuttle

A look back at America’s first “auto train” operated by the Alaska Railroad as the Whittier Shuttle.

Black Beauties: Encounters with the KCS Business Train

July 15, 2023

Black Beauties: Encounters with the KCS Business Train

A photographer encounters the Kansas City Southern business train, evoking memories of the old Southern Belle.