Rumors of Iowa Northern
4/5/02
It is a web rumor that DME has an interest in buying out the Iowa Northern.
This might make sense for the access to Waterloo and Cedar Rapids brought
by such a deal. But with DME having to figure out how to pay for the IMRL
deal, it is hard to see how the money will come for a DME/IANR deal. Iowa
Northern now has 9 units on the property, most of them GP-38's on lease
from LLPX. This allows for crews to work the Northern and Southern Divisions
independent of power considerations. Iowa Northern is also seeing new grain
hoppers, as many of the CRIX cars are being returned.
11/16/01
The IANR 2003 was rumored to be returning from final repairs
at the DME shops. It is hoped that the unit, along with 2 more LLPX GP-38's
will allow the Iowa Northern to go both North and South with trains from
Waterloo, thus improving transit times. Iowa Northern would now have a total
of 9 units, including the 6 leasors already working on the property.
5/20/01
Traffic has slowed somewhat as IMRL grain seems to be going
places other than ADM. The 2003 is being returned from Transco and should
be back in service. IANR is looking for covered hoppers to lease, as more
of their cars are being sent offline. The rumor has it that an Eastern regional(s)are
looking at buying Iron Road Railways. With IMRL's future either with sale
or bankrupcy, it should be interesting to follow events and the effect on
IANR. A major rehab of track from CF JCT. to Shell Rock may be in the works
this fall. Thanks go out to Ed Raye.
5/10/01
IANR seems to be settling in with the newly aquired GPs.
The Iowa Northern 2001 has been removed from the roster and reportedly sold
to NRE in Silvis. However, it may not get there for a while due to interchange
problems with CRANDIC. The rumors of shakeup at Iron Road Railways continue
to abound, including one that IANR may become completely independent again
under similar management here in Iowa.
3/1/01
IANR has taken delivery on at least 4 units of ex CXST
heritage. All are GP-38s nad claim to pull well and are in great condition.
The winter continues to put a strain on operating and MOW departments as
snow and ice cuase minor derailments. There are rumors of a shake up in
management at Iron Road Railways, but nobody knows what effect this will
have on IANR. Trains continue to move with long and heavy consists.
2/11/01
IANR has been struggling with winter, just like every other
railroad does. Train delays due to icy rail, causing minor derailments at
crossings and sidings have hampered the schedule. Traffic from UP in Waterloo
and IMRL grain has remained brisk. Rumors of new power in the form of GP-38's
are coming of age, as the new units may arrive in the next couple of days.
In the meantime the leased DME's continue to pull trains. IANR 2004 will
finally get its new generator and one of the DME's was involved in a collision
and will join 2004 at Transco for repair.
1/27/01
It is reported that Iowa Northern's mechanical forces have
located 6 GP-38's of CSX liverage for use as power. More details as they
become available. The GP-11's are both gone, with the last recently being
sent back. Apparently neither was reliable enough for IANR's needs. Trains
continue to be heavy, with the usual UP cars, including John Deere flats,
and IMRL grain.
1/2/01
The IANR picked up a fourth DME engine, a GP-38, the 3800
at Manly 12/28. The IANR 3607 and 3609 are scheduled to be interchanged
to the CN/IC at Waterloo 1/2/01. The NREX GP-11's are 8707 and 8738. The
8707 has been a bit of a problem, only making a few trips before needing
two heads replaced. This was fixed and now the 8707 needs five more heads
replaced. The MIC would like to see this engine go back to NRE and get anotheless
troublesome engine.
Thanks to Ed Raye
December 6, 2000
MKCX 4302 & 4303 were delivered to the CN/IC Waterloo
11/30.
The 3607 & 3609 will be delivered at a later date,
the 3607 needs
wheel work before it can move. It never had its prime mover
repaired
as was planned earlier. The IANR will be leasing 3 DM&E
GP-40's,
the 4000, 4001 and 4003. One is scheduled to be dropped
of at
Manly 12/3 and the other 2 12/4. Also arriving will be
2 NRE GP-11's,
numbers unknown. NRE was doing airbrake work on them 12/1
and
was hoping they would go out Friday via the IAIS-CIC to
IANR.
The IANR will be working with NRE for more permanent replacement
power. Once these locomotives are online and running the
IMRL 122 &
123 will be returned. Tonight the IANR will be using UP
1635 plus the
122 & 123. The UP lately has been letting the IANR
use the Waterloo
switch engine for the Saturday night trip to Cedar Rapids.
Thanks to Ed Raye
November 16, 2000
The IANR has been leasing IMRL GP-9's 122 & 123 to assist
the 3609/4303/4302. IMRL SD-9's 604 & 613 had been used a couple of
times, however, the CRANDIC won't allow six axle units on their property.
ADM recieved some contaminated corn from the UP a few weeks ago andhasn't
taken any from the UP since. This has allowed the IANR to deliver more grain
as well as grain from the IMRL to ADM. The IANR is looking for new power
to replace the IANR3607 & 3609 and MKCX 4302 &4303 as their lease
has expired, more info as it becomes available.
Thanks to Ed Raye
November 4, 2000
The Iowa Northern is running trains on a different schedule. Normally,
trains arrive in Cedar Rapids around midnight. Lately, the train arrives
much later, and departs north during daylight. Today also marked the appearance
of IMRL geeps #122 and #123 as extra power for the 2 lease MK's and lone
IANR unit. Trains have been long as well, many well over 100 cars.