The C&O was originally going after the NYC but went with the B&O as it was in better shape. The B&O controlled the WM, RDG and through the RDG it controlled the CNJ. After the PRR and NYC started merger talks that lead to the formation of the PC, the N&W started merger talks with the C&O to counter it. The merged railroad would have kept the name N&W. The following railroads were to be included in the merged system: N&W, NKP, WAB, P&WV, AC&Y, C&O, B&O, WM, RDG, CNJ, EL, B&M and D&H. (IIRC) These plans were started in 1965 and got tentative ICC approval but died when PC went bankrupt in 1970. I hope this helps.