[3] Buchanan worked as a machinist in the machine shops of the Hudson River Railroad until July 1851[2] as a locomotive engineer on the New York City line.

He became shop foreman[2] and in June 1853 master mechanic of the Southern Division of the Hudson River Railroad.

The West Shore Railroad was leased to New York Central Railroad in 1886 and at that time Buchanan was given the responsibilities of managing the locomotive engines and passenger cars in addition to his existing duties.

[3] Buchanan made many improvements in locomotives from the West Albany machine shops and in recognition of his work was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers of London in 1891.

[3][4] Buchanan designed and named the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad locomotive No.