Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern Merger?

[LNG15]

I have been reading about Union Pacific wanting to buy out Norfolk Southern to created the first true transcontinental railroad. Where I live in Cincinnati we have the NS rail line know as the Rathole which goes down to Chattanooga, and I've been reading that lots of people don't want this to go through due to the potential of this becoming a monopoly. Although I love aviation, I would be sad if the merger goes through and see all but yellow locomotives and patched units, and even the special heritage unit NS had for their 25 Anniversary. Just asking an honest question, do you think the STB will say no to this? (I apologize if this is a little political)

[Meatwad]

I hope it doesnt go through. It was fun when there were so many other railroads and short lines that you never knew what locomotives or freight car road names you will see. Now its just the main 4 or 5 and corporation owned freight cars with no real history to them. But when everything becomes the same and no variety, it makes railroading boring

[LNG15]

I hope it doesnt go through. It was fun when there were so many other railroads and short lines that you never knew what locomotives or freight car road names you will see. Now its just the main 4 or 5 and corporation owned freight cars with no real history to them. But when everything becomes the same and no variety, it makes railroading boring

Agreed. I get they want to make a Transcon railroad, but I enjoying seeing different paint schemes like the NS Heritage Unit fleet including the new Delaware and Hudson unit which was released months back. Only time will tell.

[Shuffler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTaj2FxmC34

[AKKuya]

I would like to see a return of passenger cars to the freight trains.  Amtrak doesn't go everywhere in America.  That simple decision would dramatically change transportation.


I'm the son of a retired locomotive engineer with BNSF.  I know from long history of the mergers and how the industry works. 

Unfortunately, they won't do that because of no real money to be made versus the nightmare of logistical planning and the practicality of passengers in the train stations interfering with operations.

I can only dream. 

[Eagler]

Who needs passenger cars?



Eagler

[LNG15]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTaj2FxmC34

I have seen footage of the small scenic railroads, and in 2023 I had the privilege of going to Strasburg and rode on the famous railroad which was a treat. Plus the world famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, PA is still an amazing marvel.

[Shuffler]

I have seen footage of the small scenic railroads, and in 2023 I had the privilege of going to Strasburg and rode on the famous railroad which was a treat. Plus the world famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, PA is still an amazing marvel.

I have little interest in new rail... but old locomotives are some amazing machines to watch in action.

That is not to say the new locomotives are not incredible in their abilities, just the old school is more interesting to me.

[LNG15]

All good Shuffler. Although I do like Steam Locomotives I do enjoy Electro Motive Diesel (EMD) like the SD40 and SD70 series of locomotives.

[AKKuya]

Talking with the old man, he pondered if BNSF and CSX would merge?  That would create another trans-continental railway.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

I have little interest in new rail... but old locomotives are some amazing machines to watch in action.

That is not to say the new locomotives are not incredible in their abilities, just the old school is more interesting to me.

One of my favorite spots is Bryson City NC, home of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. They have two pretty cool excursions, including one that goes to the site where the train wreck scene from "The Fugitive" was filmed. Much of the escape portion of the movie was filmed there, the dam, the tunnel, the river, etc.

I wish they had more rail line to run on. They do have some nice rail cars, and a nice steam engine, although it's not a really big one. A bunch more rail line and a 4-8-4 engine would be really cool.