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 in Richard Leonard's Rail Archive.
A number of images in this Steam Locomotive Archive also appear in printed publications: Locomotive, by Brian Solomon (2001); Where the Rails Cross (2005) and Grand Trunk Western Railroad: An Illustrated History (2009) by I. E. Quastler; and Macon & Macon County Missouri Photographic History, Volume 2 (2009) by John Dennis. In addition, some images have been featured on sales calendars issued by Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), the railway equipment leasing firm.
Most of the photos presented here are organized by railroad line, each railroad on its own page. (Links are always found in the left navigation panel.) There are also pages for miscellaneous railroads, some interesting non-steam items, 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.
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Burlington Route — Colorado & Southern
Both light and heavy freight-haulers in their final years of service in Illinois and the Denver area.
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New York Central
Several types of Water Level Route steam, including Hudsons, Niagaras and Mohawks in their final less-than-glamorous roles.
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Canadian Pacific
Well-maintained motive power north of the border, seen during a 1955 vacation trip through Ontario.
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Nickel Plate Road
The famous Nickel Plate Berkshires photographed just a few months before they were withdrawn from service.
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Grand Trunk Western
Comprehensive coverage of this Michigan steam holdout in the mid-50s, with scenes showing both freight and passenger service.
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Union Pacific
A festival of high-horsepower steam, including the famous Big Boys and Challengers, revived for a 1957 traffic surge.
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Illinois Central
Views of both main line and branch line power in central Illinois in the waning days of external combustion
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Miscellaneous Railroads
Something to please everyone, from short line Moguls through Mikados and Pacifics to hefty, wide-firebox Northerns.
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Non-Steam Rarities
Early boxy-looking diesel, a steeple-cab electric in corn country, Chryslers on rails, "Baby Face" Baldwins, and more!
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My Steam Story
How I became a steam locomotive fan, and how I got started in photography.
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Links to Other Steam-Related Sites
A selection from among the best on the Internet.
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Send your comments to rlsteam@aol.com.
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VISIT OUR OTHER WEB PAGES IN RAILARCHIVE.NET OR ELSEWHERE
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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.
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Richard Leonard's Random Steam Photo Collection
An assortment of steam locomotive photos by other photographers, with commentary.
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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.
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Richard Leonard's GM&O Gallery
A collection of photos from the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio in central Illinois in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Richard Leonard's Fantasy Steam Page
Images of some steam locomotives that existed only in my imagination.
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Alton Route Steam
Photos of steam power on the Alton Railroad and its predecessor, the Chicago & Alton.
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Richard Leonard's Vintage Diesel Miscellany
Photos of diesels taken in the 1940s through 1970s, including some rare models.
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Union Pacific Gas Turbines
First- and second-generation gas turbines operating at Laramie, Wyoming in August 1957.
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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.
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Unit Course in Locomotive Firing
A training course issued in 1944 by the State University of New York.
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Berry Accelerator Valve Gear
A 1949 proposal for a new device to improve the timing of steam admission and exhaust.
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"Modern Power for Today's Trains"
Pennsylvania Railroad booklet featuring the principal steam, diesel and electric locomotive types in service in 1949.
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Alco Pacific Type, 1913
A 20-page bulletin issued in 1913 by the American Locomotive Company to promote the 4-6-2 or Pacific type.
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"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.
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"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.
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Century of Progress, Chicago 1933-34
Images of historic and modern locomotives from the railroad exhibits at the Century of Progress Exposition.
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Chicago Railroad Fair, 1948-1949
Program booklet from the 1949 Chicago Railroad Fair, and photos from both the 1948 and 1949 fairs.
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My Images in the NERAIL Photo Archive
More than 500 additional rail images, mostly not in this
Rail Archive, taken by me or my brother David.
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Railroadiana for Sale
Employees' timetables, railroad maps and other paper items that are surplus in my collection.
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Laudemont Ministries
Our ministry site, featuring studies in worship and biblical theology, sermons, and Christian poetry.
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Richard C. Leonard, Author and Editor
Our literary site presenting books, poetry and other things we have written, and our blog, "Considered Opinion."
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WestWard Quarterly, The Magazine of Family Reading
Poetry magazine edited by my wife, Shirley Anne Leonard, featuring the work of upbeat and inspirational writers.
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