I think they are both very productive railroads and are run smart but I would have to say CN . Simply because they have turned the company around from one of the worst managed carriers to one of the most productive . CN is the only railroad that reaches all 3 coasts of North America . Paul Tellier is right , CN is North America's Railroad .
Even though I agree with you, the majority of the world will not. CP because of its dramatic scenery through the tunnels in BC has captured the imagination of many model railroaders and rail fans. I find it difficult to even talk to them about CN. I think CN is in the forefront of railroading and is setting trends, rather than following them. However, I do believe it will be a long time before it will be "accepted" in the railfanning community.
I failed to add that the perception still - even though I know it is inaccurate - is that CN is the "government" railroad, because of its history of inception and status until recently. This government ownership put a bad taste in the mouths of many, and it will be there for years to come, because we all know how difficult it is to get rid of prejudices once they are established.
I must admit that CP was my favourite for many years for the reasons you state rsn48. Since moving to Georgetown, that has changed as Georgetown is on a double track main line for CN and sees active railroading including GO commuter service to Toronto. When we go west for holidays though, the route follows the CP lines because of great scenery opportunities. CN tends to follow a more sensible northern route and it is not until Jasper that it begins to look anywhere as good as CP. Now we see more sharing between the two and hope this leads to a great railroad future for Canada
Being a employee of CN I have a strong sense of job security . CN's quarterly earnings have been among the best among Class 1 railroads . CN has had a successful merger with the IC . Personally I see CN & BN merging in the future . And the new railroad will be a monster in the industry . NS is laying people off . I have been told that CN is crushing other carriers , moving in on other carriers business . I think personally CN & CP should merge . Both railroads could benefit . Using each of there tracks to bring in new business and re-route traffic to reach destinations faster . Cut time , that would make customers happy . Paul Tellier has turned CN around , he is not done yet Right now CP pays CN $10,000 for one train to be ran on CN main-lines . I predict the 2 carriers will merge , they are already sharing trackage rights . Thats a start .
