Lawrenceburg IN Rail Line - Trains Magazine

I hope someone can help me with this. I thought that maybe Joe from Defiance, OH can. He seems he has a great knowledge of rail lines in the areas north of the Ohio River. But any info. is very much appreciated.

Today, 10-18-03, we went to a pumpkin farm in St. Leon's IN, right off of I-74. On our way there from KY we took Route 1 north out of Lawrenceburg IN.

We have taken that route several times and I have been curious about the railroad that runs parallell to that route for several miles. Didn't have time to get out and really look around as were ready to get home.

I am thinking that it used to be just recently the Indiana & Ohio, as I have heard that it was bought within the past year. I know that the Cincinnati series in the TRAINS magazine had a little about it but I like hearing the stories from people that have in-depth info.

I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what the line was before the I&O. Years ago we went through there and it looked as if it was near abandonment but now seems as though they have cleaned it up rather nicely.

What is amazing that it is not welded rail for what amount of the RR I saw today. Didn't know what kind of freight they may run through there. What is the frequency of trains. I know that there is also a line that comes off this that goes to Brookville IN for local freight that used to go through Metamora and north. I have been told that particular line was NYC. So I didn't know if this was NYC also.My great uncle had been working for the Whitewater Valley Railroad until just recently. His health has kept him from doing much. That is how I know just a little about the Whitewater RR.

I am not familiar with IN railroads, just KY. I really enjoyed what I saw today. The scenery around the crossing we were at put you in the mind that we stepped back about 50 years in time.

Thanks for any responces
Brian (KY)