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tactics, the Chessie rose to new heights that made it stand out in an era when the railroad industry was seen as outdated and facing a bleak future.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?

[@starguard4122]

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

[@mccoy79productions66]

Cool video

[@CSX_Doolittle]

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

[@nationalcapitalrails2088]

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.

[@ericcriteser4001]

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.

[@mylesspear]

Epic! The live steam club I belong to has a lot of members with Chessie System equipment. Definitely holds a special place in my heart, too.

[@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.

[@mylesspear]

Aww thanks! And thanks again for letting me use your video in it!

[@TK-ec5bv]

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.

[@jeffhanke1662]

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.

[@mylesspear]

LOL! That’s what I get for not double checking my work I guess. Cool to see there are people who know more about this than I do. Thanks for letting me know! :)

[@DRUmBEaTTS]

And for a time is was painted gold with navy blue Chessie System lettering. 🙂

[@mysticrailroad]

good history! :)

[@mylesspear]

Thanks! :)

[@SantaFe19484]

Nice video!

[@mylesspear]

Thanks! :)

[@Blaze06]

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!

[@mylesspear]

Thanks! Yeah I was definitely surprised at how big an impact the chessie made despite being so short lived.

[@Fabsterk]

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

[@BNSFTrains10]

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

[@mylesspear]

Tbh, it could’ve been better but I still like it. Yeah the font’s a little small and the blue stripe on top is a little brighter than what it should be, but I’m glad CSX is commemorating the Chessie! It’s not as popular as something like Conrail, so I’m glad CSX is honoring this short but impactful railroad’s 50th birthday.

[@KM3W]

Its a GP-38..not a GP40-2....

[@F40M07]

CSX 1973: 🤓

[@mylesspear]

Lol! Big oof! 😂 NGL it is nice to see someone recognizing the chessie in a big way, though.