Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad

Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad (formerly Maumee & Western Railroad) (reporting mark MAW) is a railroad in the United States operating between Woodburn, Indiana and Liberty Center, Ohio. The railroad originally extended to Toledo; portions have been converted to a rail trail.

There is currently railcar storage in Napoleon, Ohio. The line is used Monday through Saturday between Defiance and Napoleon,upon request in Woodburn,and between Woodburn to Defiance where the railroad's main yard is.^[1] The track, which runs over swamp ground for much of its length, is in an extremely poor state of repair, having had no maintenance for over 50 years.

The railroad was purchased by Pioneer Railcorp on December 28, 2012, and they have announced the intention to repair and extend it.^[2] Pioneer described the line as "in dire need of rehabilitation".^[2] Pioneer commenced with extensive rehabilitation in January 2013, replacing decayed cross ties and broken rail.

There are two interchanges:

• Norfolk Southern Railway in Woodburn;
• CSX in Defiance.

Pioneer also operates trackage in Cecil, Ohio that leads to Lafarge North America (Paulding Plant).

The railroad was part of the bankrupt Indiana Hi-Rail Corporation. It was originally a main line as part of the Wabash Railroad 5th District from New Haven, Indiana to Toledo, Ohio. The line between Defiance, Ohio and Woodburn, Indiana was acquired with funding from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC).^[3]

References

1. "Case Record For 92-1265-RR-CSS. Entry ordering that Indiana Hi-Rail Corporation suspend all commercial operations over its tract between Defiance and Cecil, Ohio, until such time as the Commission's staff certifies that all unsafe and hazardous conditions due to excessive growth of weeds and vegetation have been eliminated; and dismissing complaint.". The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. February 10, 1994. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
2. 2013-01-03. "Pioneer Railcorp Purchases Rail Line from Maumee & Western Railroad". Retrieved 2013-05-19.
3. "New Haven to Defiance - Study Area". State of Ohio - Department of Transportation - U.S. 24. Retrieved 2008-10-09.