Jerold attached is a MSTL track diagram of Maxon IA, dated 1898. This connection existed before the 2nd CBQ line was built. Notice how it comes in to scene east of the MSTL This arrangement was changed when the line between Bridgeport and Albia was abandoned by the CNW in the 80s. Also attached is the Albia section of a MSTL detour map, which shows all the rail lines in and out of Albia along with the direction of the CBQ lines.
The “private” rail connection you mentioned was built later, at the request of the new plants at Bridgeport (built in the 80s). They wanted competing rail access after the UP, who purchased the CNW in 1995, put the Marshalltown to Eddyville, ex MSTL, line up for sale. BNSF built the line to Bridgeport. Now a yard is there to serve the plants, with rail service by both UP and BNSF.
The Albia CBQ depot was on the north side of Albia, along the original mainline. I believe passenger trains used this line regardless of direction. As I recall the second mainline was built around the south side of Albia to ease the east bound grade when the line was double tracked. Look at the Topo map, dated 1929.
Doug Harding
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