Back Issues

Volume 1, Issue 1 - Premier Issue

• Into the Storm
  Dramatic images of railroads battling Maine's winter's elements.
• The Aftermath
  After the storm, trains tackle drifts, sometimes with plows, sometimes not.
• Bluebirds & Buggies
  Images of the B&M's Ossipee gravel train.
• A Winter Past
  A ghostly black & white image featuring steam and diesel in the wilds of Maine in a snow storm.
• Night Moves
  Railroading after dark.

Volume 1, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2001

• Winter's Last Gasp
  Winter's icy grip is slowly slipping away. Springtime in the Northeast is just around the bend.
• Dateline Explorer 1991 - Delaware & Hudson, Return to Glory
  The D&H, reborn under CP Rail, fielded 4 and 6 axle MLW's over the entire mainline. See MLW M630, M636, C424, RS18 and RS23 models strutting their stuff through some remarkable scenery.
• O' Canada - CN's Montreal Alcos in Action
  Several photos featuring CN's well-maintained fleet of MLW's. Shots of trains in New Brunswick, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
• Classic Chrome
  Trains of yesterday.
• Coal Trains of the Northeast
  Featuring the Northeast's trains of black diamonds, big and small. From Long Island to Nova Scotia, powered by Alco, GE and EMD.
• Empire State Alcos
  A celebration of Alco's 100th anniversary. From 539's to 244's to 251's, Railroad Explorer has it covered like you've never seen.

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Volume 1, Issue 3 - Fall 2001

• Autumn on Sand Patch
  Among the Northeast's most famous mountain railroading, Sand Patch is also home to some of the most spectacular fall colors in the entire country.
• The Berkshire Experience
  Western Massachusetts at its best. Conrail's Boston and Albany, the Housatonic and others.
• Six Blue and Golds
  An autumn chase on the New England Central Railroad through glorious Vermont foliage.
• Fall Gallery
  Assorted images.

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Volume 2, Issue 1 - Winter 2001/2002

• Breaking Trail
  Snowplows in action
• Winter Close to Home
  Recollections of the Blizzard of '78 in striking black & white.
• Winter in the Northeast Kingdom
  CP Rail's MLW powered Vermont operations were unique and the last of their kind. Join Railroad Explorer for a tour of this isolated, scenic region of Vermont, and some traditional winter railroading.
• Sub-Zero
  The title tells all. Winter in the Northeast can be brutally cold.
• Winter Gallery
  Assorted images

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Volume 2, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2002

• April Fools
  Those pesky Spring snowfalls.
• Maine Central's Wood Job
  Hauling Pulpwood on the Pine Tree Route.
• The Claremont & Concord
  Growing up in the Land of 44 Tonners.
• A Timeless Standard
  Central Pennsylvania railfanning.
• The Bangor and Aroostook
  Don Marson's memories of the "B&A".
• Hal Reiser's Black & White
  Keeping a dramatic photo medium alive.
• The New Hampshire & Vermont
  Alcos in the Great North Woods.
• Spring and Summer Gallery
  Assorted images from around region.
• Scenes Over Starrucca
  Modern trains riding high on ancient stonework.

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Volume 2, Issue 3 - Fall 2002

• Alcos over the Poconos
  See Delaware-Lackawanna's fleet of Alco/MLW power hauling big trains over the Pocono Mountains out of Scranton Pennsylvania.
• October on Guilford's West End
  Big G's former Boston and Maine West End is home to some spectacular fall scenery. Gold and rust is the rule here.
• Providence & Worcester in the Nutmeg State
  Rich Barnett takes us on a tour of P&W's operations in Connecticut. Great scenery and some very colorful trains are the rule on this often ignored northeastern regional.
• CN's NTR
  CN's National Transcontinental Railway across New Brunswick and Quebec is the stuff of legends. Spectacular mountain railroading in a fall setting. See big-time railroading and inspirational fall photography at its finest.

Volume 3, Issue 1 - Winter 2002/2003

• Into the Storm
  Railroads in the Northeast operate in some of the most severe weather in the country, depending on the winter. Railroad Explorer brings you dramatic images of winter railroading at its best.
• Winter Nights at Brownville Junction
  Railroad Explorer takes a trip back in time to examine the "night life" at Brownville Junction, Maine, a key division point on the Canadian Pacific's International of Maine Division.
• Rutland Rising - Today's Vermont Rail System
  Author and photographer Fred Bailey takes us on a fascinating journey through time as he explores the roots of today's modern regional powerhouse, Vermont Rail System.
• Canadian High Pressure
  We all long for those "Dome Days", when nothing stands in the way of getting a sunny, perfectly lit photo. After the storm is over, Canadian High Pressure takes over.
• Out in the Cold
  Winter in the Northeast can be brutal. Railroading is a 24-7 job, and the majority of it is outdoors. Temperatures can bottom out at 40 below. See images of railroaders at work in the mean season.
• Winter's Glint
  Spectacular railroad images at sunrise and sunset.

Volume 3, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2003

• Cartier - Alco Mother Lode
  Join Railroad Explorer on a journey to the wilds of Quebec for a last look at the Quebec Cartier Railway as an all-Alco operation. See heavy trains of iron ore and logs in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
• The Short Line - One Lonely Wayfreight, One Idyllic Summer Day
  H. Bentley Crouch takes us back in time to September of 1982 and a perfect day spent trackside with one of the most obscure CN branches in Nova Scotia.
• Erie Semaphores
  Photographer and author Brian Solomon gives us a history of semaphore signals with special focus on the former Erie Southern Tier.
• A Texan Heads East! - Not Exactly the Fort Worth and Western
  Photographer and native Texan Wes Carr takes a vacation on the Northeast Corridor and gives us his perspective.
• Farm Country
  The Northeast isn't all city sprawl. There are still plenty of rural and pastoral settings to capture trains in action in the Northeast.
• Fifth Season
  April can be a tough month, with fifth season brown and a landscape void of color. After several hard winter months, we long for the long days of summer.
• Cape Cod Covered Wagons
  Dave Santos remembers the Cape Cod Railroad and its colorful orange and green FP10's.
• A Moment in Time
  John Dietz takes us to Time, Pennsylvania in former MGA coal country.
• Reflections of New England
  New England railroads cast their reflections for the camera.

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Volume 3, Issue 3 - Fall 2003

• Autumn Along the Connecticut
  Join Railroad Explorer for a scenic tour of the railroads of the Connecticut River Valley.
• Under Skies of Steel
  On those late fall days when the skies turn steel gray and the warm light of autumn breaks through the clouds for a split second, spectacular photos are made.
• Reflections of New England
  Scenic New England railroads cast their reflections for the photographer's camera.
• Explorer Journal- Central Vermont's Southern Division
  Photographer Robert Barnett recalls his experiences chasing trains on the CV's Southern Division when the little railroad had a unique Yankee spirit.
• Classic Canadian Pacific
  In its best days, Canadian Pacific, and later CP Rail were fascinating and colorful operations.
• Chance of Showers
  The sun doesn't always shine in the Northeast. And sometimes, the forecast calls for rain and lots of it!
• By Autumn's Gilded Light
  The golden late afternoon light of autumn in the Northeast is unmistakable.
• Winter's Call
  Autumn's beauty quickly gives way to the harsh reality of winter.

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Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter 2003/2004

• Alco Swan Song in Maine
  Look back to the early nineties when a small fleet of former Delaware & Hudson Alco C424's found a new home hauling trains on the cluster of former Maine Central Railroad branches.
• The Ocean - A Centennial Celebration
  Explores the history behind North America's longest continually running named passenger train, the Ocean.
• Into the Winter Gloom
  Railroads in the Northeast take on the elements.
• Clear as a Bell
  After the storm, the skies clear for blue dome photography in a winter wonderland.
• Winter Nights on the Railroad
  Night photography is challenging, especially in Winter.
• New England Memories
  Images of New England Railroading over the years.
• Coldest Light
  George Pitarys shares some of his favorite images of trains in the cold light of dawn and dusk.
• Snowless
  Snow can be a sometimes thing in the Northeast.
• When Conrail was King
  It seems like yesterday that the Northeast was dominated by Conrail Blue.
• Diamonds in the Snow
  Winter images of coal trains in the Northeast.

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Volume 4, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2004

• Erie Visions - New York's Southern Tier
  Noted author and photographer Brian Solomon takes us on a tour of New York's famed Southern Tier Route, Erie Lackawanna, Conrail, Guilford, Susquehanna, Canadian Pacific and mighty NS.
• 251 Raw
  Tom Carver introduces us to 251 Alco/MLW power and the raw materials these mighty beasts were responsible for moving. It's a ground-shaking affair indeed!
• Bay Colony Memories
  Bob Barnett recalls his memories of this unique upstart shortline in coastal Massachusetts. With Alco switchers, seaside running and plenty of terrific scenery, it's a classic New England shortline.
• Dateline D&H 1985 - Lanesboro Detour
  Photographer Hal Reiser was on the scene in the summer and fall of 1985 during the D&H's temporary closing of the Belden Hill Tunnel.
• Together & Alone - Remembering Maine's RS-11's
  Photographer Don Marson recalls the only home-grown Alco RS11's in Maine: Maine Central's 801 and 802.
• Then Came the Last Days of May
  Mike Confalone and George Pitarys share some images of railroading in southern Quebec during the colorful last days of May 2003.

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Volume 4, Issue 3 - Fall 2004

• Battle for the Berkshires...The Boston & Albany
  Join author Gary Schermerhorn for a gripping tale of railfanning the hallowed ground of the former Boston & Albany route through the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and eastern New York. Big-time Conrail and CSX mainline action abounds through some absolutely stunning Fall foliage. Big power, big trains and some amazing, never-before-published images. Railroad Explorer shows you the old B&A like you've never seen it.
• Classic Central Vermont
  Robert Barnett recounts the interesting history of Central Vermont's nomadic 3600 series Alco RS11's. These handsome, well-traveled Alcos provided terrific subject matter for railfans in the eighties.
• Housatonic NX12
  Join author Roger W. Coleman for a trip down the road less traveled as he spends a day trackside with the Housatonic Railroad's train NX12 from Canaan, Connecticut to Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Leisurely, rustic, backwoods railroading is the name of the game on the Housatonic. And with its New Haven-inspired livery on elderly GP35's and GP9's, the Housatonic is a sight for sore eyes in today's world of modern power. Roger takes us on a much needed trip back in time.
• Western Allegheny Fs
  Photographer David Baer shows us the last days of Bessemer & Lake Erie's use of the former Western Allegheny F7's. Rusty and weary, the F's forged on right into the early nineties. Orange and black F's and fall colors, what could be better!
• Classic Chrome
  The name says it all. Images of classic Northeastern railroading from a by-gone era.
• First Light...Twilight
  Images of trains in action in morning's first light and evening's last gasp.
• Autumn Gallery
  Assorted dramatic images of northeastern railroading in the most colorful of seasons.
• Under Skies of Steel
  When the sky turn black, and the sun pokes through a lucky hole in the clouds, the magic of under-lighting presents the photographer with some of the richest, most dramatic lighting. It's a rare occurrence indeed.

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Volume 5, Issue 1 - Winter 2004/2005

• St. Lawrence & Atlantic - A Shortline Success Story
  Join Railroad Explorer for a winter tour of the northern New England regional St. Lawrence & Atlantic. The SLR took over after CN left in 1989 and has recaptured old business and aggressively created new business. From Portland, Maine to Quebec, the SLR is a spectacular piece of railroad. Get ready for mountain scenery, paper mills, deep snow and frigid temperatures as trains battle the elements in the middle of winter in upper New England.
• The Turkey Train - A Northern Maine Holiday Tradition
  The Turkey Train was a Christmas tradition on the old Bangor & Aroostook. The annual event drew hundreds of people young and old to see the special train travel the entire railroad, passing out holiday turkeys to railroad employees and their families. Regardless of the weather, the Turkey Train always ran, many times in a blizzard. It's ancient EMD F3's and geeps, the BAR business train and Santa Claus himself racing through the winter wonderland of northern Maine. A special tradition it was. Re-live it in the pages of Railroad Explorer.
• Passenger Trains Roll in February's Ice and Snow
  Author and photographer Roger W. Coleman gives his personal perspective on railfanning in frigid February.
• Out in the Cold
  For Railroad workers, there's no escape from the elements. Railroad Explorer captures dramatic images of railroaders at work in the mean season.
• Triple Header
  Remember when railroads large and small cared about public image? When their fleets of locomotives proudly displayed their colors? Railroad Explorer takes a look at a few choice images of colorful diesels in proud dress.
• War Games on the Canadian Prairies
  An all-new Railroad Explorer exclusive. Beginning with this issue, we will feature one spectacular photo as our 2-page centerspread. Numbered in sequential order and titled, these special photos will spotlight some of the fine talent that makes Railroad Explorer what it is. It's just too special to show you here, but you can see it in the pages of Railroad Explorer.

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Volume 5, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2005

• The Veteran FL-9 Soliders On
  Noted photographer and author Robert Lamay gives us the fascinating story of EMD's unique FL-9 dual-mode locomotive. Spectacular photography from Bob and other photographers coupled with Bob's detailed account of EMD's most unique of locomotives makes for some terrific reading.
• New Hampshire Northcoast - Sand to the City
  Join us as Explorer Associate Editor Joe Posik examines the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad, a unique Granite State sand and gravel-hauling shortline. In the mid-eighties, the Northcoast took over the B&M's once decrepit trackage to the Ossipee Pit and completely rebuilt the railroad. Running with a fleet of handsome GP9's, the Northcoast is high energy action, with first generation geeps hauling heavy tonnage loaded sand trains tackling the grades of the old B&M Conway Branch. Spectacular, scenic images and more.
• Susquehanna, Before the Stacks
  Most folks think of the Susquehanna as a Sea Land stack-hauling regional. Images of EMD SD45's, Alco C430's and GE B40-8's hauling long trains over Sparta Mountain come to mind. But before the explosion of growth, the Susie-Q was a struggling shortline operating in the shadow of Gotham. With diminutive trains and an aging fleet of first generation Alcos and EMD's, the Susquehanna was on the brink of extinction before Delaware Otsego arrived on the scene. Noted photographer Tim Franz tells the story of the Susie-Q he likes to remember...the Susquehanna, Before the Stacks
• Lightning Stripes
  The Delaware & Hudson's "Lightning Stripe" paint scheme of the '70's and '80's was one of the most attractive to ever grace a diesel. Railroad Explorer presents a fine selection of lightning stripe classics from Alco EMD and GE.
• MLW's Workhorse
  Montreal Locomotive Works' most successful locomotive was its venerable RS18 roadswitcher. CP Rail fielded a large fleet of the smoky Alco-design locomotives. As a matter of fact, CP thought so highly of them that they rebuilt the entire fleet in the 1980's. Railroad Explorer takes a look at the history behind CP's ultimate MLW workhorse.
• Gallery
  Assorted spring/summer images of railroading in the Northeast.
• Explorer Spotlight #2
  An all-new Railroad Explorer exclusive, in every issue we will feature one spectacular photo as our 2-page centerspread. Numbered in sequential order and titled, these special photos will spotlight some of the fine talent that makes Railroad Explorer what it is. It's just too special to show you here, but you can see it in the pages of Railroad Explorer.

Volume 5, Issue 3 - Fall 2005

• Fifth Anniversary All-Gallery Fall Edition!
  Railroad Explorer celebrates its Fifth Anniversary with a spectacular all-gallery fall edition. We return to our roots to bring you some of the finest color images of railroading in the Northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada with no feature stories this time around.
  
  We've managed to represent every corner of our coverage area, from western Pennsylvania to Prince Edward Island, Canada.
• Explorer Spotlight #3
  An all-new Railroad Explorer exclusive, in every issue we will feature one spectacular photo as our 2-page centerspread. Numbered in sequential order and titled, these special photos will spotlight some of the fine talent that makes Railroad Explorer what it is. It's just too special to show you here, but you can see it in the pages of Railroad Explorer.

SOLD OUT!

Volume 6, Issue 1 - Winter 2006

• West End - Winter Railfanning on B&M's Fitchburg Main
  Author and photographer Gary Schermerhorn takes us on a tour of the fabled west end of Guilford's former Boston & Maine. You'll see great scenery and lots of variety. From B&M blue geeps to Guilford gray and orange, to the latest offerings from CP and NS on run through, the West End remains a magnet for railfans.
• Northern Light, Portraits of eastern Canada
  Railroad Explorer showcases some of the best Canadian winter images ever assembled. From snow busting freights to stainless steel, graceful passenger trains, these photos will leave you frozen.
• Vermont Nights
  In winter, the railroads of Vermont work 24-7. We'll show you a selection of dramatic winter night pictures taken in the heart of the mean season.
• Classic Chrome
  The name says it all. Images from a by-gone era. Beautiful winter photography, preserved for posterity on Kodachrome and Ektachrome film. Timeless classics indeed.
• Sunbury Express - Chasing Pigs in Maine
  Eastern Maine / New Brunswick Southern operates a dedicated pig train unique to Maine and eastern Canada. From Saint John, New Brunswick to Farnham, Quebec, bright yellow Sunbury trailers dominate the trains as they speed across the northern Maine wilderness. Railroad Explorer takes a look at this interesting and colorful operation.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular winter images of railroading in Explorer country, from Maine to Pennsylvania, and from New York to Nova Scotia.

Volume 6, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2006

• Susquehanna's Utica Main
  Photographer Ben Martin takes us on a tour of Susquehanna's Utica Branch. It's railroading away from the hustle and bustle of 21st-Century life, and for railfans, it's a chance to experience a bit of railroading from the past. Small power, slower speeds and a leisurely pace make the Utica Main a great destination.
• Alcos on the R&W
  Roger W. Coleman reminisces about summer days on Delaware & Hudson's R&W branch, now operated by the resilient Battenkill Railroad. Both operations ran Alco RS3's, and featured some of the best scenery in the east. The D&H is gone, but the BK carries on the tradition of bucolic, rural railroading in New York's Washington County. 
• Sunrise
  The sun still rises in the East.
• Pumpkin Geeps and Storm Clouds
  A memorable chase on the St. Lawrence & Atlantic-Quebec.
• Blades
  Traditional semaphore signaling is now gone from the East. Railroad Explorer takes a look back in time when Blades still showed the way.
• Classic Chrome
  The name says it all. Images from a by-gone era. Beautiful spring and summer photography, preserved for posterity on Kodachrome and Ektachrome film. Timeless classics.
• Going Downtown with Conrail
  Photographer Tim Doherty captures what few have in the cityscape dominated skyline of North Jersey in the last years of "Big Blue."

Volume 6, Issue 3 - Fall 2006

• Autumn on the Albany & Susquehanna
  Photographer Ben Martin takes us on an autumn tour of today's Delaware & Hudson Albany & Susquehanna Division. Today's D&H is a fully integrated component of Canadian Pacific, and it's busier and more diverse than ever. Lots of action, big power from CP, CN, NS and others, and big trains beckon the adventurous railfan photographer. With some of the best fall foliage in the Northeast, the A&S is quickly becoming the destination of choice when the days grow shorter. From Binghamton to Oneonta and beyond, it's a colorful autumn adventure you won't want to miss.
• The Mattawa Route - RailAmerica's "Ottawa Valley Railway"
  On October 30, 1996, RaiLink Investment Ltd’s subsidiary Trans-Ontario Railway Company concluded a long term agreement with Canadian Pacific that resulted in Ottawa Valley RaiLink assuming responsibility of all trackage between Smiths Falls and Coniston, Ontario.The arrangement also granted RaiLink running rights over CP trackage as far as Cartier, Ontario. Included in the deal was the branch line from Mattawa, Ontario to Temiscaming, Quebec. Train movements over the OVR are scheduled, with an average of two to three through trains operating daily in each direction between Cartier and Smiths Falls, all using Canadian Pacific run-through power.
  
  Photographer Raymond Farand explores this spectacular territory, where trains traverse the wilds of eastern Ontario and western Quebec in the heart of the Upper Ottawa Valley. Superb scenery, bright fall foliage and lots of colorful CP power make the Mattawa Route this photographer's destination.
• Camp
  Photographers Hal Reiser, George Pitarys and Candy Pitarys take us to the back country of Maine for a few days of rest and relaxation, and a trip or two to the tracks of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, the last bastion of GE's classic, six-axle C30-7's. Glorious fall color and the sights and sounds of big GE's in central Maine's remote woods; a vacation combination that is hard to beat.
• Autumn Gallery
  Assorted images of railroading in the Northeast amid the splendor of fall.

Volume 7, Issue 1 - Winter 2006

• Lighting up the Night
  Photographer Gary Knapp is blazing new trails with his O. Winston Link-inspired synchronized night photography. Join us as we head trackside in the dead of night. Gary knows the trains don't stop running after dark, so why hang up the camera? We're proud to say that this is the first time Gary's spectacular night work has been featured in print. Don't miss it!
• Backroads, Branchlines & Geeps
  Photographer Justin Franz takes us to the backroads of central Maine for a look at modern-day Guilford, and predecessor Maine Central first-generation geeps on the paper mill branches to Madison and Hinckley. It's traditional branchline railroading, at a slower pace, in the Pine Tree State. Accompanied by professional system map.
• Display Signals
  Photographer George Pitarys recalls a railroad tradition lost in time. The forgotten practice of timetable and train orders was a standard of operation on the Canadian Pacific until the early eighties. George examines the practice of running 'sections' on the CP in Maine and Vermont, and showcases actual vintage Canadian Pacific train orders, along with photos of CP Rail Rail 'Action Red' and classic CPR tuscan and gray Alco-design locomotives 'flying green flags.'
• Into the Storm
  Classic images of northeastern railroading in less-than-ideal conditions. Railroad Explorer photographers brave the elements to capture memorable images of trains in winter.
• Winter Gallery
  A spectacular sampling of winter images from all over the northeastern U.S and eastern Canada.

Volume 7, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2007

• Washington County's Connecticut River Division
  Vermont Rail System is breathing new life into an old Vermont Route. The former Canadian Pacific and Boston & Maine lines from northern Vermont down the Connecticut River has had a storied career. Today VRS is rebuilding the customer base, and beginning to establish the route as a formidable player in northern New England railroading.
• Fifty Cents Well Spent: Four New England Railfans Head South
  Photographer Justin Franz takes us on a tour of the South Branch Valley Railroad in rural West Virginia. It's SD9's in B&O blue and plenty of great scenery, as the railroad works along the south branch of the Potomac River.
• Blue Boats Through the Bore
  Photographer Gary Schermerhorn brings us to one of his favorite places, the State Line Tunnels back in the days of 'Big Blue.'
• Classic Chrome
  The name says it all. Images of days gone by, forever captured on film.
• Gallery
  A spectacular sampling of spring and summer images from all over the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada.

Volume 7, Issue 3 - Fall 2007

• U-Boats on the Pine Tree Route
  Railroad Explorer takes a look back at Maine Central's Harvest Gold GE's. In 1975 the Maine Central took delivery of a fleet of Independence Class U18-B's. Named for Revolutionary War Heroes, the 1800-HP brutes roamed the entire Maine Central system, including the famed Mountain Division. Later, the railroad acquired a tired fleet of former Rock Island U25B's, adding to an already eclectic diesel roster of first generation EMD's and Alcos. Together, these U-Boats helped define a generation on the Maine Central. Join us, as we re-live this golden era of GE high horsepower in northern New England.
• Last Call, Under October Skies
  Photographer Justin Franz recalls the last of CP Rail's Montreal-built Century 424's, playing out their final days on Iron Road's Canadian American across eastern Quebec.
• Fall in Massachusetts
  From auburn oak to flaming maple, on sunny days or under skies of gray, Massachusetts' fall foliage is legendary. We'll hit all the hot spots, and some of the lesser-known locations for a look at the season of color in southern New England.
• Fall Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country.

Volume 8, Issue 1 - Winter 2007

• Mohawk Subdivision
  Photographer Roger W. Coleman takes us on a personal tour of New York's Leatherstocking Region along CSX's scenic Mohawk Subdivision. Roger hits the roads less traveled, bringing us his personal perspective and a series of never-before-published spectacular images of places a little off the beaten path. Colorful power, and upper New York's scenic splendor abound as we follow the mighty Mohawk from Hoffmans to Little Falls.
• Plow Extra 3569 East!
  Photographers Shaun McGinnis and Peter Peverett tell the tale of a below-zero, frantic plow chase in Quebec's Gaspe Region in the mid-nineties. We follow an Alco/MLW M420 and a CN plow east, as they battle drift after drift, barely making it home.
• Susie-Q Centuries and the Jeff Connection
  Photographer Hal Reiser recalls his last trip to Lanesboro, Pennsylvania during the famous 1985 detours, and a chance meet at JA.
• O Canada
  Memorable classic chromes from north (and east) of the border.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country. Not your typical, boring roster shots. These are one-of-a-kind color images of your favorite Northeastern roads in action! Featuring D&H, Wheeling & Lake Erie, Guilford, Conrail, Long Island, Maine Central, Erie Lackawanna, NJT and many more!
  

Volume 8, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2008

• The Algonquin Route - Return to the Ottawa Valley
  Photographer Raymond Farand takes us back to the scenic Upper Ottawa Valley for a unique look at operations over Canadian National's Beachburg Subdivision prior to its abandonment through Algonquin Park in 1995. The feature also highlights continued operations over the remaining portion of the 'Valley Line' east of Pembroke, Ontario as it disappears from CN's system map and transitions into a short line owned and operated by Quebec Railway Corporation's Ottawa Central Railway.
• Can't Follow the Crow
  Photographer David Baer recalls a special day trackside in March 1992 along the Mountain Laurel Railroad in Pennsylvania.
• Thoroughbreds and Blue Giants in the Land of Fried Eggs
  Photographer Jim Rowland takes us to Northampton County, Pennsylvania as he explores a 22-mile segment of Norfolk Southern's relatively obscure, former Lehigh & New England Cement Secondary.
• O Canada
  Memorable classic chromes from north (and east) of the border.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country. Not your typical, boring roster shots. These are one-of-a-kind color images of your favorite Northeastern roads in action! Featuring Boston & Maine, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, CSX, Guilford, D&H Conrail, EL, BAR and more.
  

Volume 8, Issue 3 - Fall 2008

• CP Rail's Sherbrooke Sub
  Railroad Explorer takes an in-depth look at CP Rail's famed Sherbrooke Subdivision in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Great scenery and lots of Action Red MLWs have made the Sherbrooke a favorite destination of railfans over the years. After CP's exit in late 1994 came Iron Road's Bangor & Aroostook System, with its attractively-painted GP38's. Today, the Sherbrooke is part of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, and big GE C30-7s now roam the rails. The power may be different, but the drama is the same.
• Remembering the Bull Moose
  The Belfast & Mooshead Lake. Photographer Tim Franz displays his collection of colorful Kodachromes of this bucolic Maine shortline. GE 70 tonners, chicken feed and scenic vistas set the stage for some enjoyable northern New England railroading.
• Autumn in the Empire State
  New England's not the only place with great fall foliage. Explorer takes an extended look at some splendid fall color from the great State of New York.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country. Not your typical, boring roster shots. These are one-of-a-kind color images of your favorite Northeastern roads in action! Featuring Boston & Maine, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, CSX, Guilford, D&H Conrail, EL, BAR and more.
  

Volume 9, Issue 1 - Winter 2009

• Supercharged 645s
  The GP38 in New England - Joe Posik explores the history of the GP38 in New England. One of the most venerable products ever to come out of LaGrange, the GP38 has been a mainstay in New England railroading over the years. See colorful, scenic action of supercharged 645’s from Maine Central, Boston & Maine, Bangor & Aroostook, Central Vermont, New England Central and more, in the scenic splendor of all four seasons!
• White Powder, Black Diamonds
  Four New England Railfans head South - Part 2. Railroad Explorer takes a trip south to CSX’s Mountain Subdivision in West Virginia and Maryland for several days of wild winter weather and fantastic photography. 10,000-ton coal trains, big GE power, helpers, towers, former B&O color-position-light signals and great scenery set the stage, making for a memorable railfanning experience.
• Winter Nights on the Railroad
  When the sun sets and the temperature drops, the railroads of the Northeast keep on working.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country. Not your typical, boring roster shots. These are one-of-a-kind color images of your favorite Northeastern roads in action! Featuring Boston & Maine, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic, CSX, Guilford, D&H Conrail, EL, BAR and more.
  

Volume 9, Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2009

• Remembering the Third Sub
  Photographer Mike Zollitsch recalls a special section of mountain railroading in western New York. The Buffalo & Pittsburgh’s Third Mainline Subdivision had rural charm, grades, slow speeds and scenery that rivaled the best of the Northeast. Mike takes us back, as we experience the sights and sounds of mountain railroading like he remembers it.
• Return to the Slatepicker - D&H SC17
  Tom Carver revisits the late 1970's and the former D&H Slatepicker for some memorable chases in eastern New York and western Vermont. The Delaware & Hudson’s ‘Slatepicker’ local was a fan favorite, often featuring exotic power, like the famous D&H Sharks, several types of Alcos and even the occasional GE. Tom was even fortunate enough to catch a leased CP Rail RS3 on the job one summer day. Through the lenses of Tom and friend Jim Reddington, we turn back the clock to witness the action.
• D&H’s Colonie Main
  Photographer Gary Schermerhorn visits the Capital District of New York for a look at the 19-mile line from Albany to Mechanicville.
• Gallery
  Assorted spectacular images from all over Explorer country.

Volume 9, Issue 3 - Fall 2009

• Autumn in the Pine Tree State
  Railroad Explorer visits the State of Maine for a look at railroading in the Pine Tree State during the most colorful of seasons. You’ll see Bangor & Aroostook, Canadian Pacific, Maine Central and more. Colorful images from yesterday and today.
• Alco’s Little War Horse: The Mighty RS3
  In a special two-part feature, Railroad Explorer examines the role of one of Alco’s most venerable products, the 1600 HP RS3. In part 1, we’ll visit the many Northeast shortlines that have come to rely on the RS3 over the past decades. In part 2, we’ll examine the Class 1’s. Tons of colorful, smokey, 244-powered action, both past and present. Don’t miss this!
• Chasing the Hillsboro Branch
  Photographer Jim Dufour recalls an autumn chase on the Boston & Maine’s bucolic Hillsboro Branch in New Hampshire back in the mid-1980s. Bluebird Geeps, wig-wag signals and spectacular scenery abound.
• Gallery
  Spectacular fall images from all over the Northeast.

Volume 10, Issue 1 - Winter 2009

• In Search of Plows
  Photographer Mike Peverett takes us on a tour of New England and eastern Canada in search of plow trains. During the last several winters, Mike has chased many plows on many railroads, from shortline to mainline, and has captured some spectacular images depicting the drama of winter railroading in the Northeast. Mike takes us trackside for some fast-paced snow busting action!
• Chasing the Atlantic
  Photographer Tim Franz recalls his travels in the 1980s in New Brunswick, chasing VIA’s famous passenger train the Atlantic. It’s high-speed drama, with Alco/MLW FPA4s, matched passenger consists and beautiful eastern Canada scenery. Don’t miss it!
• Gallery
  Spectacular fall images from all over the Northeast.