The merger. Of course, that explains the use of NS tracks across Ohio. Hadn’t even thought of that. I just assumed they got a better rate than CSX would give them.
Yup. Norfolk Southern merger helped facilitate this trip.
~~~~
Union Pacific’s Big Boy to Tour the Northeast for First Time in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
https://www.up.com/press-releases/heritage-steam/big-boy-northeast-260428