Diagrams

These diagrams were distributed without copyright notice. They were usually created by and reproduced for the use of railroad employees and government agencies. They may not be considered "published" under the copyright law. The United States Interstate Commerce Commission required submission of versions of many of these drawings. They are commonly included in published railroad histories. Because rights are not clear, they are provided only for educational and historical purposes under "fair use". To the best of my knowledge, these were all freely obtained from the railroad or government agencies by individuals without restrictions on further distribution. These are historic documents, many of the lines have been abandoned. They do not reflect current operations, if any.

Straight Line Track Diagrams - Grade Profiles
The railroad as the engineer sees it. Often includes bridges, sidings, stations, grades and curvature. Sometimes includes maintenance and signaling information, orientation map of areas covered.

Side Track Charts/Diagrams
Covered areas with sidings in greater detail. Often labeled with their use, construction and abandonment dates.

Locomotive, Car and Building Diagrams Property/Valuation Maps
Very detailed drawings of the railroad, buildings and property. Often submitted to the Interstate Commerce Commission for valuation or notification/approval of changes.

The National Archive and Records Administration at College Park, MD has a fairly complete set of valuation maps and related engineering field notes with photos. I have prepared a set of finding aids and valuation section index maps for this collection. See also a presentation on railroad research for the 2014 NMRA Convention in Cleveland, OH.

Documents Describing Diagrams

Links to other websites with extensive online diagrams

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