by 2nd trick op
There is also a whole lotta north-south traffic to be considered as well; let's not forget that NS re-routed a lot of traffic around the Washington gateway after Potomac Yard closed.
And if the pressure for suburban service using the former NYC West Shore line intensifies, the southbound traffic out of Selkerk might one day be diverted via Oneonta, Binghamton and Sunbury some day, though I don't expect to see it in my time.
The nay-sayers will cite the steeper grades which, admittedly, are the foremost economic consideration on the contemporay rail scene, but that could change if long-term economic trends divert more freight, possibly of higher value, in smaller shipments and/or over shorter distances.
Because a lot of the barriers to these trends are at least partially "artificial" --- dependent upon legislative or regulatory fiat. And very little legislation is written in stone. Same for the price of fuel, for that matter.
And if the pressure for suburban service using the former NYC West Shore line intensifies, the southbound traffic out of Selkerk might one day be diverted via Oneonta, Binghamton and Sunbury some day, though I don't expect to see it in my time.
The nay-sayers will cite the steeper grades which, admittedly, are the foremost economic consideration on the contemporay rail scene, but that could change if long-term economic trends divert more freight, possibly of higher value, in smaller shipments and/or over shorter distances.
Because a lot of the barriers to these trends are at least partially "artificial" --- dependent upon legislative or regulatory fiat. And very little legislation is written in stone. Same for the price of fuel, for that matter.
What a revoltin' development this is! (William Bendix)