Extra Board

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

The Michigan Timberliner

July 15, 2023

The Michigan Timberliner

Starting in 1947, New York Central operated seasonal service to northern Michigan, bringing vacationers to their favorite resorts until 1962.

Alaska Railroad 2023

July 15, 2023

Alaska Railroad 2023

Much has changed since the driving of that gold spike 100 years ago, but one thing remains the same: the Alaska Railroad still carries passengers and freight between Anchorage and Fairbanks year round.

My New Haven Over the Years

May 1, 2023

My New Haven Over the Years

An American Flyer train set inspired a long-distance love affair with the colorful New Haven Railroad from my home 900 miles west in Chicago.

The Month the New Haven Railroad Died

May 1, 2023

The Month the New Haven Railroad Died

On New Year’s Day 1969, the New Haven became a ward of Penn Central, ad with it came drastic changes to the railroad’s passenger service.

Trip  Report: Italy to Amsterdam

May 1, 2023

Trip Report: Italy to Amsterdam

Traveling from Rome to the Netherlands by rail, navigating a new post-pandemic world of online apps and higher-speed rail.

50 Years of Auto Train Service

May 1, 2023

50 Years of Auto Train Service

For 50 years, Auto Train has been associated with a more relaxing way to travel to Florida, and bring your car along for the ride, too.

Jonesey’s Big Adventure: Part 6

February 8, 2023

Jonesey’s Big Adventure: Part 6

A first trip as Service Attendant on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited, and a trip on Chicago & North Western’s business train.

Trip Report: Hiwassee Loop

February 7, 2023

Trip Report: Hiwassee Loop

A scenic ride over the former Louisville & Nashville “Hook and Eye Line” operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Credit Where Credit was Due

February 7, 2023

Credit Where Credit was Due

Sampling the last years of pre-Amtrak passenger trains with the Rail Travel Card; a convenient way to pay for travel expenses.

Back on Track

February 7, 2023

Back on Track

Restoring passenger service after abandonment can mean different things to different people as passenger stations are put back on the map.