NOTE: This site is not optimized for viewing on a compact mobile device (smart phone). Some links and content may not appear correctly. Use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer screen for best viewing.

Contents:      The sidebar in the upper left corner by the small photo contains the titles of the various pages. Click on the menu icon if the list is not displayed, then click on the page you wish to view. A further outline of contents is located on some of the pages.

Note: December 2020 - January 2021. The former page "Other Railroads" has been split into two sections: "Eastern" and "Midwest and Western Railroads". Rebuilding these pages is a work in progress and some subject matter may be misplaced for a few days as I reorganize the pages. This step is being taken to accommodate some material received recently. 

The links are view only, downloading the files is not enabled (with occasional exceptions as noted). If you wish to download a view only file for a project, or for your own files, contact me at the email address above. If you detect any errors on the various pages, let me know at the email address above, and I will correct them.

This web site is intended as a resource for those interested in railroad history, and is just a small contribution to the field from my personal files and resources. If you have material that you would like to share, contact me at the email address above to discuss the issue. Anything posted here from other sources will be posted with thanks and full credit to the contributor.

Please use the comments tab to offer constructive criticisms, suggestions for additional material, and any other comments about the website. 

           Donations

If you have enjoyed viewing this site and would like to make a small donation toward the annual upkeep of the site (about $300 per year considering support services and web site registration), I have a PayPal link that you can use for that purpose:     Ben Barnes Pay Pal    You will need to have a PayPal account to use this link. Any contributions are welcome; but if you donate, please send me a note at the email address above so that I can be watching for it and properly thank you.

I am listing below various Historical Societies that I encourage you to support if you desire to help preserve railroad history for future generations. Many of these organizations may be eligible for tax deductible contributions if that is of interest to you. 

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Historical Society

For the B&O site, go to the company store; on the menu on the left side of the page scroll down and find "Payments and Donations" which allows on line donations by use of a form on the company store. Should you join the B&O group, they publish an outstanding newsletter quarterly.

Rio Grande Modeling and Historical Society

For the DRGW organization, select the "About RGMHS" tab; a button to donate to the society will appear on the page. If you join the organization they publish several fine newsletters and magazines each year.

Friends of the Cumbres & Toltect Scenic Railroad

For the Friends organization, select the "Join, Renew, Give" tab and a donation screen will display. If you join the Friends organization you will receive their quarterly publication plus notices and discounts concerning special events on the railroad.

Milwaukee Road Historical Association

The Milwaukee Road Historical Association has an excellent website with many links to resources about the railroad. A donation button appears on the home page of the website if you would like to support the organization. Should you join the group, you will receive their publications and information about excellent meetings and trips that they sponsor.

Rock Island Reporter Magazine

The Rock Island Reporter is a fine magazine devoted to preserving the Rock Island story. It is supported entirely by donations. I have found the magazine quite informative and entertaining, whether or not the Rock is a primary railroad interest. (Note November 2022: This site has gone mostly silent, the sponsor has stepped back from the effort of publishing it, unfortunately).

These links are a small sampling of the many fine groups that are working to preserve the story of the various "fallen flags" around the country. I encourage you to look for organizations that may be supporting railroad subjects that are of the greatest interest to you.