The CN had trackage rights over the CP to the Valero plant near Floyd, IA, when it was built years ago but never bothered for the business. Renewed interest in Iowa and business got Valero to sign... (more)

A pair of SD60s on the Cedar River got me out for a midday chase south on the Osage Sub. This job most days runs with 1 unit. The past couple of weeks, traffic has been on the increase, and the jo... (more)

Before the CN job could run west to Floyd and the Valero Plant, the CP ran K39 by Charles City. Here a pair of KCS handling this 51 car local working off the last 28 miles to Mason City. K39 is ab... (more)

The IMRL and IC&E both ran a lot of the Mason City traffic off the Cornlines on Mason City to Marquette trains. IMRL trains were #378s, and the IC&E trains were MCMQs. Here, an MCMQ passes MP 89 a... (more)

The boys and I made a trip up to Mason City area on my days off. On the way home we chase an eastbound grain train out of Mason on the CP Mason City Sub. This 100 car train was loaded at Delevan, ... (more)

An empty ethanol train bound for the CP Cornlines slams over the CN Osage Sub in Charles City. The train is around 30 miles from Mason City where this crew is hurrying to get to before 19:45, unde... (more)

The old Milwaukee Road depot in Charles City has seen its better days. A group is still looking for funds to save this old gem. An empty ethanol train passes by on a nice evening trek to Mason Cit... (more)

A 6600 foot local out of Mason City rolls thru the town of Charles City on the Mason City Sub. Charles City is located at MP 89 and is 18 miles east of Mason City. This job is alittle earlier toda... (more)

Here Soo Line train 178 rolls thru Charles City with Soo 755, Soo 738, and CP 762. The train is working between Mason City and Marquette in northern Iowa. The leader 755 was built for the Soo in 1... (more)

A Roger Puta Photograph

A Roger Puta Photograph

A Roger Puta Photograph

The Cedar River local has a green signal now at the diamond with the CP's Mason City Sub after the passing of 471. The crew went to work at 7am, and have been battling the elements as shown by the... (more)

The Cedar River Local slowly pulls into the north side Charles City. The day hasn't been long for this crew, but the snow plowing has been intense. 7-9 inches of snow, along with over 50 mph winds... (more)

The Huron, SD, to BRC Clearing Yard, IL, manifest train rolls pass the old Milwaukee Road depot at Charles City. The train is also passing MP 89, which is 89 miles east to Marquette, IA. Today thi... (more)