Frankton, IN: Indian Creek, a remnant of the Panhandle

This is another case where a grain elevator had to buy a railroad remnant and a locomotive so that they could stay in business. In this case, the remnant is from the Panhandle and the new railroad they created is Indian Creek. You can see the track ends at the next road north. This gives them a long lead to hold a cut of empty hoppers that they can then shove past the loading chute to fill the hoppers.

Steve Berish posted three photos (below) with the comment:

A little over a week ago, I stopped by Frankton, IN to see if this unit still existed. ICRK 6002, an ex-SP Alco RS-11, is the sole power for the Indian Creek Railroad, a 4.55 mile shortline owned and operated by Rydman and Fox, the line's sole customer. 6002 works as needed to bring inbound loads of fertilizer and outbound loads of grain from the elevator in Frankton to the NS interchange north of Anderson. The early 80's F150 hi-rail truck was a nice bonus as well on this oddly warm February day.

James Hinman Do they shove all the way to Anderson?

Ron Buser No, they NS takes the train from northend of Anderson, at Dow and shoves the train to Florida Station were the Indian Creek pulls it north for loading. The loaded train is shoved back to Florida Station were the NS picks the cars up and pulls back to Dow, and then goes back north. Florida Station is about 2 miles north of Dow.

James Hinman Thanks. It's interesting that NS take it halfway up the branch.

Toledo Tom Could it still have the original Alco engine?

Steve Berish It does in fact still have the Alco 251

Toledo Tom Frankton isn't all that far away. A road trip may be in order!

I wonder how much this Alco smokes.

1

2

3

Satellite

Both ground pile containers are empty, so I checked what Bing captured. The north one is still full. It looks like they use a white plastic that is so strong and well sealed that they don't have to put tires on the pile.

Satellite