Route Proposal: New York Central Selkirk To Syracuse Route

I would like to send a proposal for another New York Central route. The 150+ mile section from Albany, NY to Syracuse, NY, with an additional section to Selkirk, NY.

The New York Central Railroad was inaugurated in 1853, and was one of the largest and busiest railroads in the northeast region, along with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Some of the most well known passenger trains on the New York Central (which, in fact, ran along this route) were the Lake Shore Limited and the 20th Century Limited. The line from Selkirk to Syracuse saw plenty of freight traffic over the years. While the New York Central hauled all sorts of freight, they were very well known for hauling fast freight. While the Pennsylvania, on the other hand, was well known for drag freight, including coal. Hence, in later years, the New York Central was not particularly interested in purchasing 6-axle locomotives.

In 1968, the New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad merged, and created the ill-fated Penn Central Railroad. The Penn Central filed for bankruptcy in 1970. By 1976, the Penn Central faded into history and merged with numerous other northeastern railroads, including the Reading Lines, New Jersey Central Lines, and Lehigh Valley, creating the famous Conrail. Conrail was split between Norfolk Southern and CSX in 1999.

As of today, Selkirk Yard and Syracuse Yard, both of which are now owned and operated by CSX, still play an important role. Selkirk still remains one of the busiest classification yards in the northeast region. The Lake Shore Limited still operates this route today under Amtrak, but the 20th Century Limited was discontinued in 1967.

I think the route shall include an all EMD pack, including the FT, F3, F7, GP7, and GP9 for hauling freight. Besides freight, the GP7's and GP9's were also used for hauling commuter trains. Additionally, the route shall include the E7 and E8 for the 20th Century Limited and the Lake Shore Limited. The route shall also include a variety of passenger cars and freight cars, including 1950's-era 2-bay and 3-bay covered hoppers and airslide hoppers.