Back during the late 19th century, Providence and Worcester was leased to New Haven for a similar 99-year term. When the lease approached maturity, a group of entrepreneurs determined that the line had a better chance for profitability operating independently, and it was allowed to go it alone.
In addition, it might be noted that when Wheeling and Lake Erie was reincarnated during the 1990's, N&W's lease on connecting road Pittsburgh and West Virginia was transferred to the "new" W&LE.
It should be noted, however, that the circumstances which spawned the reborn P&W, such as the opportunity for ownership of a fleet of leased boxcars, were unique to the time and circumstances, so the odds that history will repeat itself in the case of the Wabash are slight.
"It Could Happen!" (Judy Tenuta)
Last edited by 2nd trick op on Wed Oct 19, 2005 11:52 am, edited 1 time in total.