I suggest the C&O Piedmont Subdivision which runs from Richmond, Va’s Fulton yard to Charlottesville, Va. It was the first railroad line in Virginia. Chartered in 1836 by the Va General Assembly. The C&O’s main line from Newport News to Chicago ran through there. If it took place in the 60s, it would be the C&O with freight services and passenger services like the Sportsman and Fast Flying Virginian. Locomotives could include the F7, E8, GP40, GP9 high nose, and maybe even a switcher locomotive. There is a website that explains the entire Subdivision in high detail https://www.piedmontsub.com/
