The Grainbelt line began operations as a short-line railroad in 1987.

During the late 19th century hundreds of small short-line railroads were being bought up and consolidated into giant systems.

The center operates its own short-line railroad.

The state of Pennsylvania had invested heavily in state-owned canals and short-line railroads.

It also owns several short-line railroads which operate lines under contract for their owners:

The short-line railroad was a unique chapter in the town's history with only an empty railroad grade and an old station building remaining.

The East Carolina Railway was a short-line railroad that ran from 1898 to 1965.

The rest of the tracks belong to 10 independent short-line railroads that connect to Conrail's lines.

A few examples of this model are still in service as of 2007 and can be found working for various short-line railroads in the US.

Indeed, at this time hundreds of small short-line railroads were being bought up and consolidated into giant systems.