FOLLOWING THE RIGHT TRACK; ST. LOUIS IRON MOUNTAIN & SOUTHERN RAILROAD IN JACKSON POPULAR STOP FOR MISSOURI'S TOUR BUSES

The St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad in Jackson continues to draw more and more visitors each year, according to the railroad's President Sam Drusch.

"We're glad to report that we've had an increased ridership this year," said Drusch, who attributed the increase to the fact that more chartered bus tours from throughout the region than ever before have made a stop at the railroad.

"We've really had an increase in those (tours) over last year, and it has shown to cause a favorable increase in business," Drusch said.

In an effort to further market the railroad, thousands of informational flyers about the railroad were distributed this year throughout the state, Drusch said.

"We've also had a lot of walk-in business," he added. Many of the visitors are from outside the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area, he said.

Drusch said he wished more area residents would ride the train "at least two or three times a year," but he added that the railroad's financial situation is looking up.

"I'm not going to say it's great, but we're catching up on bills that have gone unpaid for some time," he said.

About two years ago, officials of the railroad considered moving to St. Charles. The venture, which represents an investment of about $470,000, was struggling, and the St. Charles Tourism Bureau expressed interest in moving the train to the St. Louis-area community. At that time, it was reported that the railroad would lose about $30,000 for the year.

In July, 1990, a group of stockholders involved with the steam train purchased the track on which the railway operates. The 18 miles of track and right of way were purchased for $75,000 by the Jackson, Gordonville and Delta Railway Co. Inc.

Drusch said that although the railway is doing better, he's hoping business will continue to improve.

"We are working with the tourism bureau and hopefully, the walk-in ridership and the tours will continue to increase," he said.

Drusch said rides and other activities with the railroad usually cease near the end of October. He said the railroad cannot operated in freezing weather because of the large amount of water used in the steam train.

But the month of September offers several weekends of activities at the railroad. Mock train robberies, a favorite theme for scheduled rides, will be held Sept. 7 and 8. Rides are scheduled Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

In addition, Railfan Day will be held Sept. 28. The event kicks off with an 8 a.m. trip to Delta, which includes cab rides and more.