In 1987 a group of local investors purchased the railroad from Union Pacific and began to offer passenger excursions to augment the freight business.

Brian Fleming sold the line again in 2008 to Permian Basin Railways,[2] a subsidiary of Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings.

The tourist railroad and freight operator had been placed into receivership back in 2019 when its previous owner, Iowa Pacific Holdings, defaulted on a $5 million loan.

The new owner, Mount Hood Capital Investments LLC, plans on keeping the railroad’s current local management.

The railroad envisions great value by enhancing local agritourism, growing the freight business and providing solutions for the community.