Yeah - boys do become like their daddies, or in my case my father and his contemporaries. I grew up with a whole lot of steam left and approximately 100+ Class 1 railroads. Most of those railroads competed with various other roads, and each one did it differently in terms of equipment and methods. They say that the modern merger era began in 1959, I remember the loss of three nice moderate size lines; C&WC, VGN, and NC&StL in that year. I'm certain my mid-Western contemporaries remember the loss of the M&StL a year later. So, lets see - ~100 Class 1's of various sizes, finances, equipment, and methodology have been replaced by the "Super Seven" - quite a loss of variety, color schemes, etc. While I understand the economics, that really sucks! In the case of NS and CSX (?) - see who their predecessor roads were. That's my personal view. But also remember that both NS and CSX (?) had their origins in deepest "flyover" territory, where outdoor sports were and still are, much more important than indoor hobbies - thus, there is a scarcity of model railroaders in these two lines original territory. When or if, you have a boy, I'm certain that you'll be puzzled over his attachment to the "Transcontinental Two" - instead of the current "Super Seven."
Here is a link to the History page on the Norfolk Southern website. In simple terms, Norfolk Southern is a combination of the 200+ predecessor railroads of the Norfolk & Western, 150 or so from the Southern Railroad and who exactly knows what from the Conrail split. So to answer the original question, yes. The deeper I go into the history, the more I am interested. The fact that it dates back to the civil war and I can visit these places make for great road trips. http://www.nscorp.com/nscorp/application?pageid=About%20NS&category=About%20NS&contentId=english/nscorp/about_ns/ns_history.html
Years ago I developed the impression that the Southern was the "Gentleman" railroad of the industry. I have no idea what generated this impression, but I suspect it was from observing how the Southern operated and from reading trade journals, fan magazines, and their advertising over the years. One example is how the Southern refused to give up the Crescent as First Class passenger transportation well into the Amtrak era. Southern corporate knew how important public image was, at least until W. Graham Claytor retired from the Company.
According to Trains magazine somewhat recent article, NS is the BEST RUN of the Class 1's. I do like the paint scheme too.
I like their message, logo etc. It plays well against the mega-conglomerants (read BORG). Is it all hype and simple PR? I really don't think so. John
In a word "Yes" I grew up in Knoxville and most what I saw as a kid was Southern. Now as an adult as I've grown to be interested in trains again I've been drawn to Norfolk Southern. Sharp paint and I still see remnaints of the Southern days. Cheers.
I choose YES I grew up in Conrail territory well before the NS/CSX split was to take place. I remember taking trips into N&W/Southern areas of the south while I was just learning(from my dad) the interesting things that railroads did. This was 20+ years ago, but my first sightings were of black locomotives. I continue to be a fan. I wish they'd put the American flag on the sides like that other rr but I'm sure there would be legal battles about it. UP DOES NOT represent the American spirit, IMHO. David
I would ride the Amtrak Crescent on business round trip from Slidell, LA to Washington about every two months from 1990 through 1998. Back then, I could always rely on arriving on time or earlier. For the past year, apparently dispatching on the NS went out the window because I see where the Crescent is anywhere from on time to 5 hours late in both directions, with no consistency. Does anyone have a clue as to what is causing this????
I'll say bierbass is a NS Fan, Great Shot!!!!!!! Poster: bierbass (see this users gallery) This Dash9 also has "Under Warranty" painted on. If you look real close, the conductor is taking my picture with his cell phone.
I'd prefer the black with the aluminum & gold stripe at the bottom- the so-called "tuxedo" scheme. IMO, the best-looking black paint job around.
As it is, where I'm gonna be for the next 6 months or so, I'd better get used to seeing NS and CSX power...........
I agree with all you've described. Most of those who admire this era, come from this era. Mainly youth, who know naught of earlier times. Also, there's an old adage that says "variety is the spice of life." What we see today, is neither variety, nor smart long term management. I understand the simplicity of their present NS paint scheme. But sure wish it had a little "flair" to it. Some sort of color. :sad: Boxcab E50
Yep, I like NS enough that my wallet has been hit pretty hard lately on N scale NS locos. Great variety of locos that were "brought into" the NS. High hood GP38's and B23-7's, Dash 8 and 9's make a really nice lashup on a layout. My neighbors both work for NS, and I hear a lot of good stories too.
