Central States Railfans is a community of people interested the discussion, photography, and operations of railroads in the middle portion of the USA from Minnesota on the north to as far south as Arkansas. From Ohio to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We encourage members to ask questions, share their photos, and discuss their views on railroading in the Central States. Class Ones, shortlines, industrial railroads, passenger railroads, light rail, and streetcars are all included.

The states here include railroad operations in the following: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Arkansas, Montana, Oklahoma and Wyoming are also included for the group as well.

Please note that there is not to be shown any body art, politic discussion, vandalism, any crime of any kind, this includes harassing a person over the group or blaming the president for something. If you have a problem with someone on this group, please leave the rest of the staff and members out of it and make it a one on one email to one another. Note that if you do not follow any of the rules above, your postings and materials, including membership will be banned and rejected.

Also, if you do not tell us where you are from and who you are when requesting to become a member of the group, pending membership will be rejected, due to SPAM.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please contact one of us below here at the Central States Railfans Dispatch Center (CSRDC).

Buddy Burton (Chief Dispatcher and Photo Contest Moderator)

Nathan Eckhard (Dispatcher 1) - Photo Contest Owner

Nathan Herring (Dispatcher 2) - news

Thanks and have a safe train chasing day!
Sincerely yours,
Central States Railfans Staff

Photo: May 2013 Photo Contest Winner, "Spring"--In Columbia Illinois, a Union Pacific Coal passes by a Spring Wheat Field. 5-30-2013. Mike Roth photo.