Classic N&W steam action in Roanoke in this Summer 1954 scene as train #46 rolls through downtown behind J-class #605. Photo by Bob Drake, collection of Tom Sink.

Berkshire No.1125 rests after its stop for water during one of its rare appearances in Austin.

The speed of Mikado No.1212 flying downhill into Austin exceeded the capabilities of my camera, but speed was in all likelihood contributing to the enjoyment of the ride for the brakeman on hi... (more)

By the late 1950s, there were just two places in the United States that still featured big-time steam operations: The Norfolk & Western in the Appalachias, and Union Pacific in Wyoming. Cheyenne ... (more)

Berkshire No.1125 was a pleasant surprise when it was seen drifting southbound through the cut just north of Sixth St. in Austin, since usual power for freights was a Mikado. This cut was obli... (more)

Katy Pacific No.397, built by the American Locomotive Co. in 1917, is crossing the trestle over Shoal Creek. The train is the southbound Texas Special.

Northbound freights almost always required a Ten-wheeler as a helper.

Katy Pacific No.374, built by Alco in 1912, is seen arriving in Elgin with the Houston section of the Katy Limited. It was scheduled to leave Elgin at 2:56 PM but is running unusually late.

Mikado No.1111 passes over Barton Springs Road as it leaves Austin and heads south for San Antonio. The white smoke of the helper can be seen at the end of the train.

Mikado No.1478 leans into a curve as it struggles with a northbound freight out of Austin.

One cold morning a southbound Mikado has completed its water stop and will cross Lamar Boulevard and head for San Antonio as soon as No.1111 passes by. This is the site of the present day Amtr... (more)

N&W Y6 2149 at Roanoke...Photo by Bob Drake, collection of Tom Sink.

A southbound Katy Mikado, built by Lima in 1923, leads its 72 car freight onto a siding in order to take on water. Its immaculate appearance is typical of Katy maintenance standards in the latt... (more)

A heavy triple-headed troop train leaves Trinidad and heads up Raton Pass behind two 2-10-2 helpers and a 2900 class 4-8-4.

Acting as a freight locomotive this time, Pacific No.556 roars through Irving on its way to Ft. Worth. It appears that the fireman is not overly concerned in regard to fuel economy.