michaelckelly.net | Rails Around Train guy – Railfan, Author, podcaster

Welcome to Michaelckelly.net!

Posted on February 26, 2014 by admin

Welcome to michaelckelly.net, new home for railfan, author & podcaster Michael C Kelly. On this blog you’ll find information on published books, videos, podcasts, railfan experiences, plus info on upcoming projects.

As of January 2024, the Rails Around Train Guy video podcast is well underway, with multiple episodes and growing subscribers. The show focuses on railroad history; encouraging the younger generation to learn about and preserve it. I will be interviewing museums and historical societies, up and coming younger railfans & making that crossover from fan to historical society.

My next book has been announced: Rails Around Northern Illinois. I’ve shied away from it because there are so many books on the individual railroads written by authors far more educated than me. But as someone pointed out, there isn’t a comprehensive northern Illinois book like the format I produce. So here we are! Please check out that page, and the other books I’ve produced. I strive to put forth a quality material that both the serious and casual train enthusiast can enjoy.

So be sure to check out the various pages on my site using the links on the header, and welcome to michaelckelly.net!

Rails Around Indiana update

Posted on March 28, 2017 by admin

In 1979 the L&N still had 2 yards in Evansville: the former C&EI Wansford yard and the L&N Howell yard. On 2-17-79, L&N power idles at the steam-era engine facility inside Wansford yard. Photo by Scott Muskopf.

Slides are rolling in, but we’re still searching for more. Areas needed are surprisingly the Indianapolis area, northeast Indiana, and deep southern Indiana. If you have images you’d be interested in lending to this project, please contact me @ 314 809-9310, atsf101@hotmail.com, or contact Dave Crisler of Greenwood, IN, david.crisler.jr@gmail.com.

Rails Around Indiana update

Posted on November 21, 2016 by admin

Rails Around Indiana and southern Illinois is coming along nicely. The project will likely be divided into 2 separate books, as the qualities of images and geography will necessitate a split.

But here is the Indiana coverage so far. NW Indiana is strong, but we are definitely in need of images from central and southern Indiana. It’s still early and there is still plenty of time. If you have images, please contact me: atsf101@hotmail.com

Way back Wednesday on the L&N

Posted on September 7, 2016 by admin

A pair of shots from L&Ns STL line. First, F7 818 leads a westbound out of the siding and across IL 158 west of Rentchler, IL in June of 66. Then E-units on what’s left of the Georgian/Hummingbird passing the same siding eastbound in July of 68. Both shots by Michael J Kelly. I am looking for more slides of this line for use in my next book, Rails Around Indiana and southern Illinois.

New book launch!!

Posted on July 13, 2016 by admin

I am pleased to announce the launch of my next book, Rails Around Indiana (and southern Illinois) – The Hoosier State in Days Past. This new book will follow in the template of Rails Around Missouri and Rails Around Michigan, featuring all-color photographs from the steam era to the mid-1980s. It will be hard cover, and in the range of 150-200 pages packed full of photos, maps and advertising collateral from the railroads of that era.

Go to the Rails Around Indiana page of this website for more info!

Frisco Friday!

Posted on June 2, 2016 by admin

It’s a Frisco Friday, with a sampling of Frisco images that can be found in Rails Around Missouri. The book is once again available in hard cover print, exclusively from the Britegraphix wing of Sekan Printing of Ft Scott, KS. Order yours today for $48 + $5 shipping by emailing Don Banwart, donald@sekan.com. If you live in or visit the St. Louis area, let me know and I will be happy to sign your copy.

Above – West Plains, MO, by Bob Plough

Above – Springfield, June 1980 by Terry Norton

Above – Rolla, Sept 1978 by Daniel Schroeder

Above – Rolla, 10-13-75 by Paul Dalman

The photos and captions in the actual book go into great detail, with history and maps, timetable info, etc. Don’t miss out!