> The term "Fallen Flags" describes those railroads whose corporate names have been dissolved through merger, bankruptcy, or liquidation. At one time the United States boasted nearly 140 Class I's.
https://www.american-rails.com/fallen-flags.html
OK great, but what's a "Class I"?
> In the United States, railroads are designated as Class I, Class II, or Class III, according to size criteria first established by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1911, and now governed by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The STB's current definition of a Class I railroad was set in 1992, that being any carrier earning annual revenue greater than $250 million. This has since been adjusted for inflation and most recently set to $504,803,294 in 2019.
https://www.rr-fallenflags.org/amtk/amtk.htm
Amtrak still exists, though, maybe since it's a different logo?
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Fallen flag railroad companies refer to railway companies that are no longer in operation. These companies have ceased operations for various reasons, including financial difficulties, mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcies, or changes in the transportation industry. Fallen flag railroads hold historical significance and are often remembered for their contributions to the development of the railway system.
Here are a few examples of notable fallen flag railroad companies:
1. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF): The AT&SF was one of the largest and most renowned railroads in the United States. It operated from 1859 to 1996 and played a crucial role in connecting the Midwest and the West Coast. The company was known for its "Super Chief" and "El Capitan" passenger trains and its involvement in the development of California's rail network.
2. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O): Established in 1827, the B&O was the oldest railroad in the United States. It operated primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, connecting Baltimore, Maryland, with various other cities. The B&O was known for its contributions to the growth of American railroading and innovations such as the Tom Thumb steam locomotive.
3. Penn Central Transportation Company: Formed in 1968 through the merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and the New York Central Railroad (NYC), the Penn Central Transportation Company became one of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history. The company's financial struggles and operational inefficiencies led to its collapse in 1970, resulting in the formation of Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corporation).
4. Southern Pacific Railroad (SP): The SP was a prominent railroad company that operated in the western United States from 1865 to 1998. It played a crucial role in the development of California and the southwestern states, connecting them to the rest of the country. The SP was known for its iconic "Daylight" passenger trains and its involvement in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
5. Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road): The Milwaukee Road operated in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest from 1847 to 1986. It was known for its "Hiawatha" passenger trains, which were renowned for their speed and luxury. Financial difficulties and declining freight traffic eventually led to the company's demise.
These fallen flag railroad companies, along with many others, have left a lasting impact on the development and history of railways in their respective regions. Although they may no longer be in operation, their legacies continue to be remembered and celebrated by railroad enthusiasts and historians.
"Southern Pacific Railroad (SP): The SP was a prominent railroad company that operated in the western United States from 1865 to 1998."
It's actually 1996, not 1998. I checked multiple sources.
How does the bot draw in data? does it parse for numbers first? Dates? How does it eval data?