Is there any reason why the Norfolk & Western did not pursue a purchase of the Western Maryland in the 1960s? Why would WM want to merge with the C&O/B&O, their primary competitor? Why didn't the N&W contest WM's merger with C&O/B&O? Wouldn't the WM be a logical extension to N&W's Pittsburgh & West Virginia subsidiary to gain entry into the Baltimore market?
Yes, there is a reason. The B&O owned a controlling stock interest in the WM. If memory serves me, I believe that it was about 60%.
Poppyl