CSX and Norfolk Southern today are the two main Railroads east of the Mississippi. I would like to start a conversation about how these two railroads are similar, how they are different, and which in your opinion is the stronger/better operation. This is not meant to be a thread about history or rail fanning, but actually looking at the Railroads operations and routes as our topic of discussion. If this goes well I'll do a Union Pacific and BNSF thread later, maybe we'll even compare some fallen flags.
My opinion is that they are pretty well matched in terms of routes. In particular here is my analysis
The South - modest Norfolk Southern advantage, despite lagging around Tennessee and the Florida/Gulf cost
Midwest/West of PA - slight CSX, NS comes close when you factor in both Cleveland - Chicago routes of the NYC and the Nickel Plate, so it could very well be a tie or slight Norfolk Southern advantage.
PA - Norfolk Southern, that was easy
NY - CSX, they have the former New York Central line, while Norfolk Southern has the former EL and now the D&H
In terms of financial standing, quality of service, etc I don't know.
So have at it.
