Rock Island Rail

ased in Mississippi, Rock Island Rail is a shortline holding company that also provides contract railroad services. Formally known as Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad LLC, the company was formed in 2017 by Robert and Gwen Riley. With a background in mainline railroading and offering contract switching services since 2010, the Rileys secured the rights to the names and logos of the defunct Rock Island mainline system that was liquidated in 1980. In 2019 Rock Island Rail stepped into shortline operation by taking on and rehabilitating the former Mississippi Delta Railroad in northwest Mississippi. As of 2022, the company operates two rail lines and is rehabilitating a third, all in the Magnolia state. The company owns a stable of second-generation locomotives, several of which have been painted in former Rock Island liveries. The shortline also owns and operates the "Royal Street," a former Louisville & Nashville 5-bedroom lounge observation car built by Pullman in 1950. The car is available for charter and excursion service.