That Time a Heritage Railway Operated an Intercity Train

When Iowa Pacific operated the Hoosier State it was the most successful time in the train's recent history and passengers still remember the high-quality service. This shows that people will take an inconvenient train if the service makes it worth it.

[@rebooted.jupiter_]

this would be a dream railroad to me, a dining car and GP40FHs

[@nyrailfan202]

Well unfortunately it no longer exists

[@rebooted.jupiter_]

@@nyrailfan202 ik :(

[@marcleslac2413]

@@nyrailfan202 whats cool is ik 4135 operated in montreal for a bit when we had a power shortage. Ik theres a pic hauling comet ii and fyi some of our comet cab cars were de activated as trailers if you ever are gonna redo the shoreliner/ comet vid

[@allohiorailfan6123]

The financial situation Iowa Pacific was getting themselves into when they operated the Hoosier State was one of many that lead to the company’s ultimate bankruptcy in 2019.

[@Pensyfan19]

Many people use IP as an example as to why private companies don't work for passenger operations, but I don't think this is a good example since IP has been financially struggling long before the Hoosier State, and even still they provided much better service than Amtrak. One of my stances for private ownership of passenger rail routes is that they can use private investment (and not coat the government one cent) to purchase state of the art trains, make improvements to infrastructure, and provide frequent and luxurious than any state or federally owned service.

[@nyrailfan202]

I would say that’s half true. IP kinda only worked cuz Indiana wanted to give Amtrak the finger. If Brightline had operated it instead then maybe this could’ve worked out

[@nah_144]

At least those GP40FH-2 were put to good use!

[@nyrailfan202]

Indeed

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

great video so sad to 🚅🚃😢

[@nyrailfan202]

For sure

[@FreedomLovingLoyalist]

Where is the Heritage railway that owned the train?

[@drguppy7861]

Iowa moment