Favorite Michaelckelly.net Welcome! Order Here–>>>

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Welcome to michaelckelly.net, 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 December 2025, my next book, Rails Around Central Illinois, is out and on sale now. This is the first of a two-part series on Illinois north of the I-70 boundary of my previous book on southern Illinois. Central Illinois covers the state from I-70 north to Galesburg (ATSF-side), Peoria and Streator, including Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Kankakee, Pontiac, and Springfield. See the Central Illinois page for more info.

Part two is Rails Around Northern Illinois, covering the true northern part of the state from Chicago to Joliet, Galesburg (BN), Rockford, Savanna and the Wisconsin border. More information on this volume coming soon.

In January 2024, I launched The Rails Around Train Guy video podcast. The show focuses on railroad history; encouraging the younger generation to learn about and preserve it. I interview museums and historical societies, up and coming younger railfans & making that crossover from fan to historical society.

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 Missouri close to a complete sell out

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Rails Around Missouri is almost sold out! After past weekend’s Great Train Expo in St Charles, only 32 copies of the book remain available. The Frisco cover is sold out, so all remaining copies feature the KCS cover shown above. DON’T MISS OUT! The book features coverage of the Rock Island’s St Louis line, the MKT’s St Louis subdivision plus the Columbia and Moberly branches, Frisco’s Winona and Lead branches, Missouri Pacific’s Carthage sub, the GM&O’s KC-Bloomington line and more. Order now to ensure your copy.

 

 

FRISCO COVER SOLD OUT!

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The Frisco cover of Rails Around Missouri is now sold out. KCS copies are still available, though less that 50 remain.

DON’T WAIT! Get your copy today while supplies last! Order online below or stop by the Great Train Expo in St Charles Sunday February 2, the Boeing Model RR show March 8 in Queeny Park (STL), or the OMRA show in Springfield MO on March 15. Tentative plans are for the Mid America train show at the KCI expo center, Kansas City on March 30, IF supplies are still available.

 

 

Winter Greetings from the MP

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Winter is here and Rails Around Missouri rolls on to another train show. This weekend, February 1-2, we’ll be at the Great Train Expo at the St Charles Convention Center, located on the south I-70 outer road just went of the 5th St exit. Show times are 10-4 both days. We have exactly 7 copies left with the Frisco cover, and 55 of the KCS. Supplies are running out, so don’t wait any longer!

Above, MP B23-7 #2259 leads a westbound freight through Eureka on January 10, 1979. The train has just crossed the Meramec River and is about to pass under Allen Rd and I-44 as it makes its way through the curve. Photo by Paul Dalman. Rails Around Missouri was released May 10, 2013 and is almost sold out. Get yours today before they are gone!

 

 

KC Train show this weekend

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The Great Train Expo comes to Kansas City this weekend! Held at the Overland Park International Trade Center, the show is Saturday and Sunday December 28-29 from 10-4. HOWEVER, due to other commitments in St Louis on Sunday, Rails Around Missouri will only be at the GTE in KC on Saturday from 10-4.  Only a handful of the Frisco covers remain. Show price is $45, and I will be on hand to sign copies.

You can also order online with $8 USPS shipping. Merry Christmas everyone! Photo above by Ken Donnelley, taken in KC in December 1984 and is found in Chapter 3: Kansas City & Surrounding Area.