February 14, 2012-Indiana Rail Road 'Signals' Impact on Economy. Other than hearing the occasional distant horn or driving over a crossing, it's likely Indiana's rail industry is rarely on the mind of the average Hoosier, despite their widespread economic contributions to the state. But while Indiana Rail Road Company leaders say they aim to be a "behind the scenes" operation, they're taking one opportunity to toot their own horn. It recently celebrated the movement of its two-millionth carload of revenue freight-a testament to the importance of Indiana's rail industry and the company's role in it.
"People might not be aware how their lives are impacted by railroads every day," says Chris Rund, Indiana Rail Road Company's vice president for corporate services. "Every time you turn on a light or a computer, eat fresh fruits or veggies, drink a glass of orange juice or milk, get into your car and drive—railroads have had a direct role in keeping all of those essential conveniences available for all of us."
Rund says reliable, quality rail transportation is critically tied to the state's ability to compete economically—and Indiana has distinct advantages. Advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative Conexus Indiana says the state ranks 4th nationally in total freight railroads and 9th for railroad mileage.
Indiana Rail Road, based in Indianapolis, is a regional rail carrier that moves mostly industrial and consumer products for companies in the central and southwestern part of the state, and in recent years, has experienced what company leaders call a "meteoric" rise in business. It took the carrier nearly 19 years to haul its first million cars of revenue freight, but recently hit the two million mark—just seven years later. Listen
Operating 500 miles of rail in Indiana and Illinois, Rund says the resurgence of the coal industry in southwest Indiana is driving the increase; Peabody Energy selected Indiana Rail Road as the exclusive carrier for its Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County, the largest surface mine in the eastern U.S.
For many years Purdue operated the Schenectady No. 1 and No. 2, on a dynamometer in an engineering laboratory on the West Lafayette campus. These were 4-4-0 type steam locomotives manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia. At the time, Purdue did not have a mascot. After much debate, it was decided to build a locomotive on an automobile chassis. The choice allowed the mascot to build on Purdue’s engineering and railroading heritage, as well as represent the school’s nickname Boilermakers in a meaningful way. The Boilermaker nickname came about during the early years of Purdue football when rumors of the university enrolling burly boilermakers from the Monon Railroad shops in Lafayette as football players. The current mascot, Boilermaker Special V, was introduced in 1993. Submitted by Chris Dees.