The Red Paw Express name continued with a freight train partnership between the Illinois Railway Museum and the Red Paw Railroad, a small short-line railroad operating out of the northern Illinois town of Metamora.

Tue, 05 May 2026 01:28:00 +0000

**The Red Paw Express Name Continued with a Freight Train Partnership That’s Gaining Momentum in the U.S.** In an era where historical preservation meets modern storytelling, a quiet but meaningful collaboration is quietly drawing attention across the country: the Red Paw Express name continues with a freight train partnership between the Illinois Railway Museum and the Red Paw Railroad, a small short-line railroad based in Metamora, northern Illinois. At first glance, this partnership may seem like a niche footnote in America’s ever-evolving transport landscape—but its growing visibility reflects deeper cultural and economic currents shaping rural railroading today. As interest in local heritage, sustainable transport, and community-driven tourism rises, unexpected alliances like this are helping reframe public understanding of short-line railways not just as cargo movers, but as vital cultural connectors. ### Why This Partnership Is Sparking Interest Across the Country