A proposed system map is attached for review. The application will be open for a seven-day comment period before taking effect at 00:01 Central time on September 17, 2014.
In reality, the concept is a merger between the two railroads in 1958, driven into receivership and operated as a regional railroad since 1986. The railroad is the first actual rail purchase for Rails Etc Inc, which has previously kept its portfolio in media production and model railroad design. The new owners will keep the railroad's headquarters in Des Moines after the purchase. Principal terminals include BRC's Clearing Yard in Chicago, South St. Paul, Oelwein, Des Moines, Council Bluffs, and UP's Armourdale Yard in Kansas City. Smaller yards are located in Watertown, Mason City, Fort Dodge, and other locations.
Rails Etc Inc will spend the comment period evaluating operations and determining what changes will need to be made to the system after purchase. The company has eyes on time freight service connecting its four major metropolitan areas, with an emphasis on overnight intermodal services, and is also planning on being an active participant in community events.
If the purchase is approved, the deal will also include CMGW's fleet of first- and second-generation motive power, which includes ex-MILW SD10's, ex-BN SD9's, a handful of SW switchers of varying models, and road diesels including GP38-2's, GP40's, SD40's, and B30-7's.