As is true of most model railroads, the ECI has been built and rebuilt several times and is even now in the midst of another expansion & modification program. There have also been those times when there has been no movement at all.
The ECI is a modern short line operating out of Henderson in North Central Indiana southward over the ex-New York Central (CCC&StL) North Vernon Secondary purchased from Penn Central and Conrail. The ECI runs through Emporia, Rushville, Greensburg and terminates in the Southern Indiana town of Westport.
Connections are made with Conrail (CR) and the Central Indiana & Western (CIW) at Henderson, the Chicago, Emporia & Evansville (CEE) at Emporia, the CSX at Rushville and a secondary connection with Conrail at Greensburg. The ECI and CEE share trackage between Henderson and Westport under control of the ECI Dispatcher working out of the South Henderson Yards.
The majority of customers are small industrial
companies (pipes, plastics, autoparts, etc.) as well as several heavy grain operations
and one small stone quarry sending occasional shipments off line to dealers nationwide
from their quarry near Westport.
Although the line is not truly prosperous, it is making money and has outstanding Service Facilities with a maintenance crew devoted to rebuild and maintenance with tender loving care. This is attested to by the modified F unit that has been placed into service pulling an Excursion Train consisting of four refurbished passenger cars from Henderson to Westport monthly during summer months and the rebuilt Alco RS2 that now assists the ECI's GP 38-2 that was handling the major freight work on ECI trackage.
With its small but dedicated staff of employees, the ECI tends to reflect the sense of optimism found in its headquarters city of Henderson as to a solid future in providing high quality service to its clients as well as presenting rail service in a favorable light to more people.
Last updated May 24, 1995.
Copyright 1995 by Roger P. Hensley