When CSX and Norfolk Southern were working to divide Conrail, why didn't CP Rail look to get more out of the breakup. It seems almost logical if they own the D&H to get the entire Southern Tier line to connect to the TH&B and have their own route to the Port of N.Y. It seems also logical to try to get their own line across Michigan to Chicago. CP could have even looked to effectively connect the Soo Line with the D&H across Ohio and Indiana using the old PRR main line. Does anyone know if they attempted such concessions from CSX and NS? There certainly was enough track to go around and still allow CSX and NS to get what they wanted from the division of Conrail.
CP had owned the D&H fro several years before the Conrail split happened. CP could see that the D&H's role as "competition" to Conrail made it an also ran in the Northeast market.Even if concessions were given in order to connect D&H and SOO, they would be a distant third out of 3 competitors in the market share.
The tact which CP has taken has turned out to be smart i the long run. They have used the D&H to further their linehaul to Philly, Harrisburg, etc, for Canadian products. On the other hand, CP has been able to turn the tables to give the big two eastern carriers access to points which they didn't have. The main one being a connection for NS to reach New England, and Montreal. CSX got these in the CR split. This has given CP the added trackage right fees and line capacity. In return, CP has gotten rights from NS between Detroit and Chicago. Both companies got what they want, and this probably makes the trackage rights payments a wash.
It has been said that Conrail gave D&H trains bad handling on their lines. I'm sure the present arrangement is much better, as NS and D&H/CPR are mutually dependent on each other.