This morning Iowa Interstate Railroad was busy pushing tanker and grain cars westward through 42N's Amana, Iowa. Many cars display markings from ADM and MCP.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) acquired Minnesota Corn Processors (MCP) in 2002. At that time MCP was the second largest ethanol producer in the country behind...ADM. Therefore these older MCP tankers and cars date from nearly a decade ago and show the signs of wear.In Cedar Rapids just a few miles from Amana is the location of the world's largest ethanol plant, which went on-line just a few years ago. In addition to the around the clock ethanol production, the ADM plant in Cedar Rapids produces corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup - as it has for many years.
Iowa Interstate Railroad plays an integral part of ADM product distribution. Last month the railroad announced plans to construct a huge locomotive service yard in nearby Homestead, Iowa. This shop will service the 4,400-horsepower General Electric locomotives just like the one seen in the top photo. That means more state of the art locomotives seen on 42N area tracks which translates into more photo opportunities while sipping HFCS diet cola. Know that.
I just love a good train and this is a beauty!
ReplyDelete