Richard Leonard's Steam Locomotive Archive: Home Page

The 1950s were the last decade during which steam locomotives were used in regular main line service on North American railroads. They were also the decade during which I reached my teen years, and began to photograph these locomotives wherever and whenever I could. For many years my archive of steam photos lay hidden in the dark confines of storage boxes and basement shelves. But now, thanks to the Internet, my steam photography in the 1950s and after is available to steam fans all over the world.

This is not a large collection compared to the offerings of some other excellent Internet sites, but I believe you will find it of special interest because of the commentary that accompanies the photos. I started the Steam Locomotive Archive site in 1998. Since then it has been enlarged and modified, it has been joined by a number of other sites of rail interest I have created. All these sites are now combined here in Richard Leonard's Rail Archive.

Most of the photos in the Steam Locomotive Archive are organized by railroad line, each railroad on its own page. (Links are always visible in the left frame.) There are also pages for miscellaneous railroads, some interesting non-steam items, the 1933 Century of Progress Exhibition, and some railroadiana I have for sale. Bookmark this site and visit again — I often add new photos and commentary. And don't forget to check out the links to other sites of mine listed at left or below.

Burlington Route — Colorado & Southern

Both light and heavy freight-haulers in their final years of service in Illinois and the Denver area.

New York Central

Several types of Water Level Route steam, including Hudsons, Niagaras and Mohawks in their final less-than-glamorous roles.

Canadian Pacific

Well-maintained motive power north of the border, seen during a 1955 vacation trip through Ontario.

Nickel Plate Road

The famous Nickel Plate Berkshires photographed just a few months before they were withdrawn from service.

Grand Trunk Western

Comprehensive coverage of this Michigan steam holdout in the mid-50s, with scenes showing both freight and passenger service.

Union Pacific

A festival of high-horsepower steam, including the famous Big Boys and Challengers, revived for a 1957 traffic surge.

Illinois Central

Views of both main line and branch line power in central Illinois in the waning days of external combustion

Miscellaneous Railroads

Something to please everyone, from short line Moguls through Mikados and Pacifics to hefty, wide-firebox Northerns.

Non-Steam Rarities

Early boxy-looking diesel, a steeple-cab electric in corn country, Chryslers on rails, "Baby Face" Baldwins, and more!

Century of Progress Exhibition

Some of the historic and unconventional motive power exhibited by American railroads at the Chicago World's Fair of 1933-34.

My Steam Story

How I became a steam locomotive fan, and how I got started in photography.

Links to Other Steam-Related Sites

A selection from among the best on the Internet.

Send your comments to rlsteam@aol.com.

Railroadiana for Sale
Employees' timetables, railroad maps
and other paper items

VISIT THE OTHER WEB PAGES IN RAILARCHIVE.NET
	Richard Leonard's New York Central Collection New York Central steam and diesel photos taken by various photographers the 1930s, and also by me in the 1950s.		Richard Leonard's Random Steam Photo Collection An assortment of steam locomotive photos by other photographers, with commentary.
	Richard Leonard's UP Big Boys & Challengers A gallery of photos of the famous Union Pacific 4-8-8-4s and 4-6-6-4s, most of them taken in 1957 in Wyoming and Nebraska.		Richard Leonard's GM&O Gallery A collection of photos from the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio in central Illinois in the 1950s and 1960s.
	Richard Leonard's Baker Locomotive Valve Gear Images from a Baker Valve Gear sales booklet issued around 1915 by The Pilliod Company, and a parts catalog circa 1925.		Alton Route Steam Photos of steam power on the Alton Railroad and its predecessor, the Chicago & Alton.
	Unit Course in Locomotive Firing A training course issued in 1944 by the State University of New York.		Berry Accelerator Valve Gear A 1949 proposal for a new device to improve the timing of steam admission and exhaust.
	"A Brief History of the C. and N. W. Line" Booklet issued in 1942 by the Chicago and North Western Railway, including photos and dimensions from then-current steam locomotive roster.		"Modern Power for Today's Trains" Pennsylvania Railroad booklet featuring the principal steam, diesel and electric locomotive types in service in 1949.
	"The Midland Story" C&IM Publicity Booklet Historic photo booklet issued by the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway, 1950s and earlier; includes some steam engines, rolling stock, stations, etc.		Chicago Railroad Fair, 1948-1949 Program booklet from the 1949 Chicago Railroad Fair, and photos from both the 1948 and 1949 fairs.
Laudemont Ministries Our ministry site, featuring studies in worship and biblical theology, sermons, and Christian poetry.		Richard C. Leonard, Author Our author site, presenting books we have written or works in progress.