I am going to start building a layout probably in a B&O/C&O/CSX raod theme but I do not know much about the C&O and whether the B&O ran on the same lines. I have a couple of friends that have done the Fingerlakes connecting to the CSX lines in Syracuse then another connecting CSX to Albany and hook up with the D&H. I am trying to have one that will hook-up Ohio CSX with CSX in Syracuse by way of the Ohio-Baltimore lines. Is these possible and where can I find out what types of industry was/is on these lines? I would like it to look close to real existing or old industries. Scott
Well Scott, a few things to know, the B&O and C&O, mergered to become Chessie System, an then in 1972 Western Maryland also mergered in with Chessie System, an from then it was all stated on the loco's as to which company owned what unit, with markings on the cabs, of either B&O, (naturally a B&O unit), or C&O (naturally a C&O unit) an then WM, which was a Western Maryland unit. Then in 1980, Chessie System, an Seaboard mergered to create CSX! NO emblem was made for the CSX company lease holders till 1987, then you have CSX painted units! So, all these lines were separate at one time, However, the B&O and C&O were sister railroads! But, had their own lines, separately. Untill they mergered. To do Ohio based modeling, you will be modeling the B&O line through Lorrain an Sandusky etc, correct? Northern Ohio was lined from the B&O, an southern Ohio was lined with C&O, even tho, both railroads came together at different locations. As for industry for the railroads, you may want to look into steel an dry frieght, an even grain. BUT, the major revenue for both these railroads was in fact coal! If I were you, I would go to my local library, an see about getting books on each of the roads you want to model here an read them, an all. This would be the best source to get the understanding of these roads an the location you want to model. ALSO, look for a Historical Society as well, wether it be the B&O, the C&O or even the Western Maryland Historical Society. They will be of help as well. HTH
