They may not be the biggest or the best known, but regional carriers are the heart of the American rail system—and of the Midwest, whose people and places, industry and goods, they connect in one vast network. These regional railroads of the heartland, with their special operations and oftentimes unique equipment, are celebrated here in all their local color, historic power, and splendid detail. Highly respected rail writer and photographer Steve Glischinksi draws on his own knowledge and archive, as well as on the photography of several colleagues, to offer an authoritative, lavishly illustrated account of the histories, motive power, and operations of twelve of the Midwest’s most vital current carriers, including a system map of every road covered. Featured railroads include the Chicago Central & Pacific; Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern; Escanaba & Lake Superior; Iowa Interstate Railroad; Iowa, Chicago & Eastern; Indiana Rail Road; Kyle Railroad; Red River Valley & Western; Twin Cities & Western; Toledo, Peoria & Western; Wisconsin Central; and Wisconsin & Southern.