Modern Railroads
Has a yellow/red/grey color scheme and was created in 1862, self-described as a "Great Big Rollin' Railroad"
What is the Union Pacific?
Sometimes known as "the Big Blue"; was created by Congress in the 1970s to revive the failing rail network in the Northeast, was split up in 1999 between it's main competitors
What is Conrail?
Large conglomerate that has made everything from Washing Machines to Machine Guns; started in the locomotive space with their Universal Line; later, this company would dominate the rails with their dash 8, dash 9, and Evolution Series locomotives.
What is General Electric?
Veteran railfan from Florida best known for his fence full of signs.
Who is Danny Harmon?
This is the lone Class I that was not included in the "Modern Railroads" category.
What is Norfolk Southern?
Has an orange/black/yellow color scheme and was created in 1995; track access into Chicago often dubbed "the racetrack"
What is the BNSF?
Created after the merger of the CB&Q, Great Northern, and Northern Pacific in 1970. Known for it's "Cascade Green" color scheme, this railroad would be one of the largest transportation companies, and would merge into the BNSF in 1995.
What is the Burlington Northern?
Division of an automotive giant, single-handedly brough dieselization to North American rails with their E, F, and GP models of locomotives; Originally dominated the market until the flop of the SD50.
What is Electro-Motive Division (EMD)?
CSX Engineer based somewhere in Buffalo, loves the New York Central and hates the Pennsylvania with every bone in his body.
Who is Rodney Kantorski?
Location where the Union Pacific's Geneva subdivision crosses CN's Leithdon subdivision. Has one of the few remaining manned signal towers here.
What is West Chicago, IL?
Has a red/yellow/black color scheme and was created in 2024, making it the newest Class I railroad
What is CPKC?
Founded in 1903, this railroad stretched from Chicago to Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. Popularized after a Johnny Cash song came out that was named after this railroad
What is the Rock Island?
Originally started by building steam locomotives, but teamed up with GE to roll out its first Diesel Locomotive, the PA series. Best known for their RS and C locomotive models, as well as this builder's locomotives to belch huge clouds of smoke.
What is the American Locomotive Company (ALCo)?
Ohioan who often railfans in Marion or Fostoria, became famous for screaming like a seagull when they see heritage units.
Who is Elliot Wolcott?
This BNSF SD70M wore an experimental paint scheme it's entire life; I was lucky enough to catch this locomotive before it was unfortunately scrapped in 2025.
What is BNSF 1474 (The Great Pumpkin)?
Has a red/white/black color scheme and was privatized in 1995. Has all sorts of fallen flag locomotives on its roster
What is Canadian National (CN)?
Founded in 1881, this railroad was known for being a coal-hauling powerhouse. It was one of the last railroads to integrate diesel power and is well-known for it's "homemade" steam locomotives. Would merge in 1982 to become a part of Norfolk Southern.
What is the Norfolk and Western railway?
Originally a Marine Engine builder, this company decided to try and get into the locomotive market, albeit was largely unsuccessful.
What is Fairbanks-Morse?
Kid from one of the Dakotas (South I think?) who is best known for demonstrating to viewers how to tamper with railroad equipment (specifically switches)
Who is Sebastian DeYoung?
Metra F40PHM-3 that is supposedly in a "Deep, Spiritual Connection" with a woman who lives in the Chicago Area.
What is Twotenny (METX 210)?
Has a yellow/blue color scheme and was founded in 1986; often criticized by railfans for having "unfinished" heritage units
What is CSX Transportation?
Smallest railroad to be taken over by Conrail in 1976; originally founded in 1862 and had just 11 locomotives when this railroad went bankrupt.
What is the Lehigh and Hudson Railway?
German locomotive builder only contracted by Southern Pacific; models were unique for being Diesel-Hydraulic locomotives, as opposed to Diesel Electric models offered by American Builders.
What is Krauss Maffei?
Teenager from Nebraska who was caught throwing a switch in order to derail a BNSF train, just so he could film it for his YT
Who is Capitol City Rail Productions?
The only NS job I know from memory; runs between East Chicago, IN, and New Carlisle, IN.
What is the BO9 job?