CNW+BN+SF?

[Anonymous]

I model the CNW in the late 60's and early 70's. As of late I have started to find interest in the Burlington Northern and the Santa Fe Railroads. I know CNW ran alott of Rock Island. Did CNW run with BN or SF? If not how could I interact the three railroads? And, what is the newest type of locomotive that each had at that time?

Thanx.

[thirdrail1]

You don't say what area of the country you are modeling. CNW and ATSF connected principally at Chicago and Kansas City, with some minor connections in Illinois. On the other hand, the CB&Q predecessor of BN was a competitor of C&NW at hundreds of common points. As you know, CNW merged with UP and was historically its preferred carrier between Chicago and Omaha.

[Anonymous]

I never thought about the area of the country. So, Santa Fe is possible but BN is out since they were a major compeditor. I thought BN and CNW worked together before they both merged hauling coal over crawford hill?

[thirdrail1]

The Powder River Basin does have some shared trackage by UP (ex C&NW) and BNSF (ex BN). You must remember this trackage was by far the largest new railroad construction in the last half of the 20th century and shared trackage reduced the initial expense for each railroad. But you can be sure they were both competing for the same coal traffic! UP put up the money for CNW to pay for its part and CNW turned the traffic over to UP rather than using the "Cowboy Line" to move the coal East.