Running a railroad today is a high-tech challenge. Trains can be controlled from hundreds of miles away through electronic control of signals, switches and other equipment. Seen here is the CSX dispatch center. Persons working for railroads today must often possess white-collar skills of the type required by other modern businesses. Women are playing a growing role in this traditionally male industry.
Ability is increasingly what counts today as railroads pursue best business practices.
It may take 30 years or longer for a locomotive introduced in service to find its way to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. If we don't have a new locomotive to show, we use media such as, in this case, a virtual trip. The Railroads Today section is based on a computer presentation which may be seen in its full animated version at the Museum. The cooperation of a number of railroad authorities, including Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and CSX, is acknowledged. Please note that these pictures are copyrighted and may not be copied without permission of the owner.