Railfanning the Iowa Traction Railroad

The Iowa Traction Railroad is the last traction railroad in the country that still runs revenue freight service. They use four steeple cab electrics that are all over 90 years old. Here we see them operating along their line in Mason City bringing interchange traffic to and from UP and CPKC.

[@kelvintorrence5994]

love those little orange engines and they have been moving freight for years, and now everybody is trying to go back to electric everything,

[@chicagolandrailroader]

So much great footage! I'm glad Iowa Traction is getting more attention.

[@jameslundt5302]

Thanks for coming here to Mason City --- your video helps show a unique perspective that we here that drive by the railroad every day don't necessarily get! Hope you enjoyed your stay in the area!

[@ronnyvonallmen6892]

Just Wonderful…

[@Nicola636128]

Fantastic video and catches.

[@pauludulutch4353]

Saw these a couple months ago on a trip through Iowa but they weren’t moving on the weekend so this is nice to see.

[@kelvintorrence5994]

oh great video also

[@johnalder6028]

Unique piece of living history. Great catch !

[@NYTrainzchaser]

Thanks!

[@arlingtontrains7]

Very cool indeed!

[@lashendawest7509]

Great catches awesome capture and nice video

[@NYTrainzchaser]

Thanks!

[@LanternSignals]

Hey… you were in mytown. Nice video

[@NYTrainzchaser]

Thanks!

[@gaberosckes]

Iowa Traction is one I've wanted to capture for a while. Are there any safe spots to set up?

[@anb7408]

Whoa. Looks like the roller contact on that engine catenary pole needs to be replaced. I was seeing arcing and even smoke coming from it! That can actually damage the wire over time too. Ouch!

[@jameslundt5302]

Would heavy rain contribute to that at all? Just wondering since I've never noticed this before (from Mason City)

[@michaelengland4793]

Is this a short line railroad?

[@kristoffermangila]

It is, at 10.4 miles of track.