Since this has turned into a 'what would remain' as far as branches is concerned (and the discussion is good-----) I offer the following on the Mahoning Divn branches. If EL did not become a part of Conrail: Dunkirk Branch would not be active. Bradford Division would not be active in Brockway, but may have remained from Carrollton to Lewis Run to serve Bradford industries. It most likely would not survive to this date, but may have lasted through the 80's. B&SW Divn most likely would not have survived as EL and neither would the River Line due to the bridges. The bigger locomotives would allow maximum tonnage on the main line from CB Jct to Hornell and Hornell would collect Buffalo freight from the West and forward to Buffalo. Oil City Branch would most likely remain to present due to industries at Franklin. NOTE: Last refinery recently closed in Oil City. Valonia Branch would remain. New Castle Branch would have no doubt remained until the demise of the P&LE and Sharon Steel. Lisbon Branch would probably lasted a couple of years, then been abandoned. Cleveland Branch-- while ofter referred to as a BRANCH, was actually the Main Line, 1st Sub Division and would no doubt still be active today as a viable operation. The same applies to the balance of the First District from SN Jct to Pymatuning. It would no doubt be all operational. smt ------------------------------
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