04-30-2009, 04:50 PM
I guess my first choice is obvious. 
I love the Penn Central because it was railroading where I grew up so there is the nostalgia factor...but the more I learn about it the more interesting it gets with its diverse mix of motive power from the NYC, Pennsy, and NH, its sometimes conflicting image as a big power hauler on well trimmed mainlines and also as a rickety incompetent disaster on poorly maintained rails, its passenger service with the heritage of name trains as well as its minimalistic single-coach-behind-an-E8 service, its varied shades of Jade Green, its inconsistent repaints that left some merger road heralds remain, its mix of 40 foot box cars with more modern equipment, and its wide range of locations from the East coast to Chicago...I could go on!
As for a second choice, my years in Minnesota since 1982 led me to develop a fondness for the SOO Line with their White and red units and endless covered hoppers filled with grain.
Ralph
I love the Penn Central because it was railroading where I grew up so there is the nostalgia factor...but the more I learn about it the more interesting it gets with its diverse mix of motive power from the NYC, Pennsy, and NH, its sometimes conflicting image as a big power hauler on well trimmed mainlines and also as a rickety incompetent disaster on poorly maintained rails, its passenger service with the heritage of name trains as well as its minimalistic single-coach-behind-an-E8 service, its varied shades of Jade Green, its inconsistent repaints that left some merger road heralds remain, its mix of 40 foot box cars with more modern equipment, and its wide range of locations from the East coast to Chicago...I could go on! As for a second choice, my years in Minnesota since 1982 led me to develop a fondness for the SOO Line with their White and red units and endless covered hoppers filled with grain.
Ralph