The Gulf & Mississippi Railroad was the first regional railroad formed in the U.S. when Illinois Central Gulf spunoff 713 miles in 1985. It was acquired by MidSouth Rail in 1988.
MidSouth Rail was one of Illinois Central Gulf's many large spinoffs in the 1980s as the company attempted to streamline operations. It was acquired by Kansas City Southern in 1994.
The wrecking derrick was once a vital piece of maintenance-of-way equipment, ensuring rail lines were quickly reopened following an accident or derailment.