The Oahu Railway & Land Company had a profound impact on the history of the Island and its operations were worthy of a Class 1 railroad on the Mainland.  It was the pride of the Dillingham dynasty in Hawai’i and the key to the family’s fortune.  For much of its nearly sixty years of operation it was the primary means of transportation on the island and touched every aspect of life for residents.  Kids got to know the distinctive whistles of each locomotive and had favorites.  Every significant industry and most military bases had connections to the railroad.  The OR&L had a large fleet of freight and passenger cars and a stable of dozens of powerful steam locomotives.