Regionals, Something Between a Class I and the Shortline

While Regionals are not nearly as large as Class Is they do offer more uniqueness since they typically operate only within a particular region, and to some extent because of this (if they are large enough such as with the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern and Wheeling & Lake Erie) they also, for the railfan, sometimes even have a feel of the classic fallen flags as they offer both well-equipped main lines for faster freights as well as local switching operations. From the railfan perspective Regionals also offer much more variety, especially if one is tired of looking only at the Class I trains.

Some of the most notable Regionals include the famous Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), a company which has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century and a former Class I before recent changes bumped it to Class II status and the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E), which has also been operating since the late 1800s. Newer Regional operations include the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E); the "new" Wheeling and Lake Erie (W&LE); the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (commonly known as the "Susie-Q"); Montana RailLink (MLR); and the Wisconsin and Southern (this railroad has a great story as it has kept alive hundreds of miles of track in its native state that would have otherwise been abandoned and continually gains new business in its ever-growing area of operation).

One other note regarding Class IIs, which also includes Class IIIs (shortlines); while not always the case, these railroads are usually much more open to railfans and anyone interested in seeing how railroads work. Of course, with the aftermath of September 11th and a much more litigious America, long gone are the days of cab rides on all railroads and being able to freely roam across yards and company property. However, these smaller railroads are, in general, much friendlier than their larger cousins and with permission most are more than happy to give you a tour of what they do and how they work.

Listed below are a number of Regionals currently in operation today. To learn more about each simply click on their link.

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway

Providence & Worcester

New York Susquehanna & Western Railway (The "Susie-Q")

Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway

Florida East Coast Railway

Paducah & Louisville Railway

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad

Indiana Rail Road

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway

Iowa Interstate

Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad

Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad

Alaska Railroad

Montana Rail Link

Visiting a railroad museum is always a thrilling experience being able to inspect the equipment and seeing the museum’s operations. However, nothing really, truly, compares to witnessing railroading in its truest form; a long freight at-speed on the main line or watching a switcher keeping order in what looks to be a chaotic mess of a yard (but rest assured, while it looks a mess, even a huge classification yard has its order). With that said, perhaps most importantly when visiting a real railroad is the chance to talk and mingle with the men and women who keep it going by maintaining the tracks and property, and keeping the trains running.

While many Regionals carry a "down home" feel, many also have operations similar to Class Is in terms of train speeds and regions served. For more information on Class Is please click here.