All in all this has been a great experience trying recreate my railfan experiences from growing up in the 70s and 80s. Even though nothing has been built yet. Seeing the BN in the latter part of the rainbow period. The MILW going over to a short line, the UP transitioning from a light use branch line to bona fide main line with CP run through, then the rise of the MRL made for some wonderful railfan memories. One of the things that I think is remarkable is that in the merger mania of the last 50 years is the area surrounding my home town had 3 class 1 roads and a regional at the start of 1970. In 2020 it still has 3 Class 1s and a regional as well as a short line even though all the names have changed.For those who may be asking Bonner County Idaho had in:
1970
Great Northern transcontinental route
Northern Pacific transcontinental route
Milwaukee Road Metaline Falls branch
Spokane International mainline
2020
BNSF northern transcontinental route
Union Pacifc Spokane Subdivision Mainline to Canada
Canadian Pacific run through agreement on UP
Montana Rail Link mainline
Pend Oreille Valley shortline
