The Chessie System; a fifty year history

On February 26th, 1973, three major U.S. railroads consolidated to form Chessie System incorporated. Using innovative business tactics, the Chessie rose to new heights that made it stand out in an era when the railroad industry was seen as outdated and facing a bleak future. But what made the Chessie System great? Why did succeed when other railroads were failing? And what can other railroads today learn from the Chessie’s short but impactful life?

[Nethanel]

I enjoyed this presentation. Coming from L&N country, there's more I can learn about those other great railroad lines. C&O and B&O seemed to run their businesses more wisely and avoided the things that befell their northeast competitors.

A couple of points. CSX was first formed as a holding corporation only. The Family Lines family of railroads continued to operate semi-independently, just like the Chessie System lines. CSX Corp formed Seaboard System formed in 1982 after they dissolved the FL lines and merged them into one. Then CSX Corp formed CSX Transportation in 1986 and merged Seaboard into it, and then Chessie in 1987, as you pointed out.

[WVRailroadPapa]

As someone else mentioned, Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries merged at the holding company level. Industries controlled the SCL, L&N, Georgia Railroad, Clinchfield, and the West Point Route (Atlanta & West Point and Western Railway of Alabama). Family Lines was a marketing tool and not a railroad or holding company.

In 1982, the aforementioned companies were merged to form Seaboard System Railroad. In 1986, Seaboard System was renamed CSX Transportation. By this time the Western Maryland had been merged into the B&O.

Then, in March 1987, the B&O was merged into the C&O, and by August of the same year, the C&O was merged into CSXT.

[starguard]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very useful and informative.

[indiscriminaterailfan]

I am honored to have one of my videos featured in this video about one of my favorite fallen flag Railroads. Your video was a short, concise yet very enjoyable one. Great job.

[TK-ecbv]

B&O acquired 42.88% of WM in 1928. These shares were put into a trust as ordered by the ICC. When C&O purchased B&O in the 1960's, the trust was dissolved and C&O/B&O acquired the remaining WM shares that they didn't already own. At that point, the WM was taken over outright, with consolidation occurring in 1975.

[nationalcapitalrails]

Great video. Just wanted to point out that the initial merger that created CSX Corp. was between Chessie and Seaboard Coast Line Industries. The Seaboard System Railroad didn't exist until December 29, 1982.

[ericcriteser]

I blame my love of trains on the Chessie System. I grew up very close to two crossings and would see trains pass with their colorful locomotives and caboose. I thought it was awesome.

[CSX_D]

A little know fact about the Chessie System happed in 1975 when the Eire Lackawanna declined Conrails merger offer and instead opted for the Chessie System but had complications with the people at Chessie system and was accepted into Conrail at the last minute

[jeffhanke]

Very good video. Just one small point of correction. B&O 3802 is not a GP40-2. It is a GP38. It’s actually the Trains magazine All-American locomotive. Trains did a search for the most average locomotive on the most average railroad. By size that was the B&O, by horsepower that was the GP38. They picked 3802 at random. It rode around for years with a special marking in the battery box cover commemorating its award as the All-American locomotive.

[Blaze]

Fantastic job! I must say it’s interesting to see how much one railroad can make an impact on society! I love the paint scheme on the Chessie locomotives (don’t mention CSX 1973 plz) and I was glad to finally find a video that discussed some big parts of its history!

[comfyslippers]

Does anyone remember seeing commercials on TV for the Chessie System? I could swear I saw them in the late 70's and early 80's but I can't find any evidence of them.

[rickdee]

The content of this video is awesome but I’m an old man hard of hearing and even with my bluetooth headphones on I can barely understand the narration due to the music and the tone of the narrator. I am not trying to knock or insult you I am just hungry for this information and finding it difficult to understand and I hope you find this helpful only. I like the harmonica, but I really want to hear the C&O story. also I would advise you watch your video with closed caption on like I have to I think you will get a kick out of it.I have a YouTube channel and I am fully aware that people will insult on the Internet and that is not my intent I assure you.

[BNSFTrains]

Now CSX Has 1973 The Chessie System HU What Did U Think Of It????

[Fabsterk]

Took me years to figure out what the symbol was. Cat asleep on a pillow. Go figure!