Welcome!

The American Industrial Railroad Society (AIRS) was founded in 2020 by a small group of preservationists, their goal being to preserve pieces of the United States' proud industrial past. Weaving their way through both wilderness and urban landscapes alike, industrial railroads have always been overshadowed by the bustling mainlines of 19th and 20th century common carriers. However, these small railroads and their equipment served as the true backbone of America - working largely unnoticed while turning the proverbial gears of industry for mines, factories, logging operations and more. Even during today’s preservation era, the history and surviving artifacts of these operations still plays second fiddle to that of mainline railroading. As a result, an entire aspect of traditional railroading is largely overlooked!

With your help, AIRS aims to correct this inequity. By restoring our 1913 Baldwin steam locomotive - Indiana Northern #4 - to operation, AIRS intends to tell the untold story of the small and unknown railroads, their workers and the industries that history has taken for granted. We thank you for your support and interest in our endeavor!