They may not be the biggest or best known, but regional carriers are the heart of the American rail system - and of the Midwest, whose people, places, industry and goods they connect in one vast network. These unique railroads of the heartland are celebrated here with their unique equipment, local color, historic power, and splendid detail. Highly respected rail writer and photographer, Steve Gilschinksi draws on his knowledge and own archives to offer an authoritative and lavishly illustrated account of the history, motive power, and operations of the Midwest's most vital current carriers, and includes a detailed map of every system carried. It includes: Chicago Central and Pacific; Dakota, Minnesota and eastern; Escanaba and Lake superior; Iowa Interstate Railroad; Iowa, Chicago, and eastern; Indiana Rail road; Kyle Railroad; Red River Valley and western; Twin Cities and Western; Toledo, Peoria and Western; and Wisconsin Central, and Wisconsin and Southern.