- Home ›
- Short Lines ›
- Delaware
Delaware Short Line Railroads: A Complete Guide
Published: March 29, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Delaware Coast Line Railroad (reporting mark, DCLR), Defunct: This short line had been in service since 1982 operating about 25 miles of track in Sussex County (the Milton Branch and Lewes Branch), formerly part of the Pennsylvania's Delmarva Lines (originally part of the Queen Anne's Railroad of 1894).
The road interchanged with Norfolk Southern in Ellendale and Georgetown. However, operations were suspended in 2018.
Delmarva Central Railroad (reporting mark, DCR): A division of Carload Express, this system began operations in 2016 utilizing 188 miles of former Pennsylvania Railroad/Penn Central/Conrail trackage along the Delmarva Peninsula in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.
It interchanges with NS at Porter, Delaware while trackage rights provide access as far north as New Castle. Its southerly terminus is Hallwood, Virginia while short branches also radiate away from the main line to interchange with the Maryland & Delaware Railroad.
East Penn Railroad (reporting mark, ESPN): This privately-owned short line operates over primarily disconnected branches in southeastern Pennsylvania which also reach into northern Delaware.
The history of the lines trace back to the PRR and Reading, sold by Conrail in the 1990s. The current road was formed in 2007 through the merger of the East Penn Railway and Penn Eastern Rail Lines. Currently, it operates 114 miles of track and handles a wide variety of freight.
Maryland & Delaware Railroad (reporting mark, MDDE): The Maryland & Delaware has been in service since 1977 when it acquired former PRR branches in Maryland and Delaware (more of the Delmarva Lines) soon after Conrail was formed.
The road currently operates 120 miles of track on four different branches (the Seafood Line, Centreville Line, Chestertown Line, and Snow Hill Line) moving such freight as agriculture, food products, steel, petroleum products, fertilizer, and forest products.
Wilmington & Western Railroad (reporting mark, WWRC): This operation is well-known for its excursions hauled by steam locomotives, utilizing a former Baltimore & Ohio branch between Wilmington and Hockessin.
It was formed in 1982 after acquiring the remaining 10.2-mile line from the B&O, renaming it to the original railroad that chartered the route in 1867. Currently, the W&W handles freight assignments on an as-needed basis.
Recent Articles
-
Florida Scenic Train Rides In Parrish!
Jan 11, 26 10:26 PM
The Florida Railroad Museum (FRRM) in Parrish offers something increasingly rare in today’s rail landscape: a chance to ride historic equipment over a surviving fragment of an early-20th-century mainl… -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:28 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Georgia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:07 PM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 01:43 PM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 11, 26 01:32 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello!
Jan 11, 26 12:42 PM
the Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:07 AM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Missouri's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:05 AM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:04 AM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Kentucky Scenic Train Rides At KRM!
Jan 09, 26 11:13 PM
Located in the small town of New Haven the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a combination of historic equipment and popular excursions. -
Washington "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:53 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:21 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Kentucky's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:12 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:05 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 09, 26 12:51 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee Dinner Train Rides At The TVRM!
Jan 09, 26 12:39 PM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard.
