RRspatch wrote: ↑Tue Dec 28, 2021 2:37 am
My guess is that Iowa Pacific was run by a group of railfans who got themselves in over their heads.
Since "I knew a few of 'em" along the way, I'd dare say fair assessment.
Throw in several from wealthy families, and you have the formula for failure. Ellis was a more accomplished musician (guitar, folk music) than businessman.
All I know is that they "stung" good friends of mine with a '76 "Golden Arrow" fan trip; and they darned near "stung" me when, as I earlier described in this topic, I was "one click away" from booking, and paying, for a Pullman Rail Journey.
Finally, I think the "wakeup call" with this outfit should have been the PRJ "almost" when X-ing the NS (Wabash) at Tolono, IL. Fortunately, a railfan Attendant "didn't like the feel of something" and pulled the cord before it was too late.
The cars remained upright, no injuries.