by CSXT 4617
The Pennsylvania Railroad was one of my favorite railroads that ever existed. Heck, it was my number one and still is my favorite common carrier that was. In my honest opinion the railroad had some of the best examples of motive power on its lines. The railroad not only had good engines, but decided to experiment with designs that for the most part made a difference in service along the railroad. Not only did they build most of their engines, they also built their own coaches, freight cars and cabin cars (the term the Pennsylvania used for more than 1 caboose). The Pennsylvania was also a pioneer in the mode of truck trailer deliveries. The PRR Truc-Train was a train ahead of its time. If the Pennsylvania and the good old Norfolk & Western hadn't worked together on such a great idea, TTX probably wouldn't exist today in the way it does. Besides good freight and passenger service, the railroad also was very open minded to preserving examples of their steam locomotives and even electric locomotives. Now onto "Pennsy in the Modern Era."
If the Pennsylvania Railroad was still an active railroad things would be so different. Modern horsepower running on long modern freights and of course plenty of steam powered excursions. The GE Evolution units powering long and I mean long freight trains along the main line, and the main line would still be 4 tracks. The old classic PRR position light signals would still be up and the electrics would be doing all sorts of work.
ELECTRIFICATION
Personally, I think the Pennsylvania Railroad's electrification was great. But, the railroad should've pushed further with electrification as far as Chicago and St. Louis. The GG-1 in Saint Louis, would've been a site to see. But, I can't go back in time and change what the good old PRR did.
TRACK EXTENSIONS
I wish the Pennsylvania Railroad had worked west of Chicago as well, by building a main line from Chicago to Los Angeles, that would've made Pennsy a strong competitor against the AT&SF, SP and of course, UP. That would be a site to behold. Passenger trains like the Broadway Limited running from New York to Los Angeles behind K-4s. The railroad would've operated all types of steam locomotives and do all sorts of passenger jobs across its system and well, the railroad would give all the railroads in areas where it could've ran, a run for their money.
If the Pennsylvania Railroad was still an active railroad things would be so different. Modern horsepower running on long modern freights and of course plenty of steam powered excursions. The GE Evolution units powering long and I mean long freight trains along the main line, and the main line would still be 4 tracks. The old classic PRR position light signals would still be up and the electrics would be doing all sorts of work.
ELECTRIFICATION
Personally, I think the Pennsylvania Railroad's electrification was great. But, the railroad should've pushed further with electrification as far as Chicago and St. Louis. The GG-1 in Saint Louis, would've been a site to see. But, I can't go back in time and change what the good old PRR did.
TRACK EXTENSIONS
I wish the Pennsylvania Railroad had worked west of Chicago as well, by building a main line from Chicago to Los Angeles, that would've made Pennsy a strong competitor against the AT&SF, SP and of course, UP. That would be a site to behold. Passenger trains like the Broadway Limited running from New York to Los Angeles behind K-4s. The railroad would've operated all types of steam locomotives and do all sorts of passenger jobs across its system and well, the railroad would give all the railroads in areas where it could've ran, a run for their money.
"Norfolk Southern: One Line, Infinite Possibilities."