The N&W takeover of EL and D&H was a condition for approval of the N&W/C&O merger. Which was in response to the Penn Central. The PC bankruptcy caused the N&W/C&O to be abandoned. Dereco was left to twist in the breeze. Another out of area debacle by the ICC were their actions in the very early 1960's regarding the Central Of Georgia. The Frisco was well along in taking over that road, which was in serious trouble after traffic pattern changes removed most of it's overhead traffic. A Frisco takeover would have been a tremendous benefit to the region by introducing another strong rail carrier into the area for competitive advantages. Instead, these "gooberment" bureaucrats determined SLSF and CofG had not sought their approval and ordered Frisco to divest their interest. With CofG about to go bankrupt. there was no other refuge but to be taken over by Southern Railway. That turned out to be such a disaster, the ICC considered reopening merger proceedings and fined SR 12 million dollars for unfair labor practices against CofG employees in 1963. Traffic diversions, facility shutdowns and other actions have severely crippled economic development in areas served by CofG lines, even to this day! While there is plenty of blame to go around to rail management and labor, outdated and outright stupid government interference also deserves a share as well. GL >> I doubt that the ICC "ordered" N&W to take on the EL or anything like >> that. But I also think that > > I doubt that as well from all I know. But Mike indicated otherwise, so I'm ready for a second opinion. > > Every so often, I see some reference to the ICC on this and other lists in a derogatory manner. And there's lots to criticize it for -- but to perpetuate the idea that it simply acted on its own is, in my opinion, incorrect. Obviously, others have a different opinion, and I'm ready to hear their argument. > > Cheers, > Jim The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List http://EL-List.railfan.net/ To Unsubscribe: http://Lists.Railfan.net/erielackunsub.html ------------------------------
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