New Railroad: Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad

[Antwerp]

Genesee & Wyoming Railroad purchases 660 miles of railroad from Canadian Pacific in South Dakota.

The new Railroad is the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad.

http://www.easternrailroadnews.com/gwi/RCPEMap.jpg

*Having been to South Dakota numerous times, I can say that some of the "tunnels" out there look suspiciously like drainage pipes....*

Good luck G&W with the old C&NW Line!

[wisrailfan]

I was wondering what was going to happen to the DME/ICE when that chainsaw wielding CEO took over CP. Hopefully the line survives and thrives under G&W.

[1225fan5358]

G&W is gonna get rich off of that line

[Antwerp]

G&W is gonna get rich off of that line

I bet, considering that they can get to the Powder River Basin via trackage rights.

[BNSFdude]

Not really. The entire line they purchased is 10 MPH max, and you can't get a single train from beginning to end with a single crew. And there's maybe 10 industries that they actively serve.

[BNSFdude]

That, and the fact GW is so power short that they're desperate for higher horsepower units for purchase. The money to upgrade the track probably isn't there.

[JohnTrainHead]

So why did they purchase the line in the first place?

[BNSFdude]

The same reason CP did.. The lure of the PRB.

[shicoe30]

Strangely enough, I was out there with some fellow foamers just a few days before the announcement. We had a feeling this was coming. It'll be fun 20 years from now to show people that yes, CP did operate this line "back in the day". If you've never visited this part of the country, I'd strongly recommend it. Some may find it boring, but I think it's one of the most interesting places I've ever been. If you want to see it under CP management still, I'd recommend you go quick, and I can't wait to see how the G&W runs it! Here are some shots from the Pierre-Rapid City line and the Black Hills Sub. Soon enough this will be orange, black, and yellow!





























































Needless to say, I love this part of the country, and for some reason feel very strongly connected with the area, and the little ribbon of steel that traverses it. I hope G&W will do right by these lines!

[mrennie]

Beautiful set of photos!

[Antwerp]

Needless to say, I love this part of the country.

It's a beautiful part of the country even if you're only passing by. I will look forward to seeing G&W in South Dakota.

(Hopefully they can accomplish the ultimate goal from DM&E and CP. The Powder River Basin)

[jmslakings]

Wow. G&W sure is growing. I was wondering when they where going to start buying out east. I think they have purchased almost everything here on the west coast. Good for them. Its nice to see the little guy's move on up!