Canadian Pacific Iowa Interstate merger????

[ndbprr]

This morning as I was heading for I-80 in New Lenox, Illinois along the old Rock Island right of way there was a CP inspection train heading east at 10:00AM. It consisted of a GP-9 with winterization hatch, what appeared to be a converted troop sleeper and two business cars all decked out in CP. The last car was a gallery car but I couldn't see how many people were in it. The way I see it there only a limited number of answers why:
1. CP is interested in Metra (preposterous conclusion)
2. CP is interested in merging or buying Iowa Interstate
3. CP may have been looking at the EJ&E which has a connection in Joliet and may have been the source of the train
4. CP is interested in some form of cooperative agreement for routing trains over one or both lines.
In any event it was a total surprise to see this train in this location.

[Anonymous]

It doesnt mean there will be a take over... CP ran an inspection train for the DME a few months ago.. they just "rent it out" i belive..dont hold me to it.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

CP absorbing Iowa Interstate, WHY? Iowa Interstate may be a sharp operation but I can't see where it would fit in with the rest of Canadian Pacific.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSSHEGEWISCH

CP absorbing Iowa Interstate, WHY? Iowa Interstate may be a sharp operation but I can't see where it would fit in with the rest of Canadian Pacific.

[;)]well that could be becuase the old MILW line that became SOO before the CP/SOO merger in 1995 connected with IAIS @ davenport IA which is now IC&E ex IMRL which was a E-W line from Council bluffs to Chicago VIA Rock island & had some spinoff along the way i think but willard1346 could be right its about that time to check the rails since winter is almost here but i dont think CP RAIL will merge a class 1 & a shortline unless the buy them out for trackage rights like UP