I am not constrained by the real world as much as I am motivated by what I like. The model railroad's time frame is modern day, sort of. 

• AMTRAK has been privatized with service and equipment reverting to individual railroads.

• ATSF and BN did not merge.

• The FTC ordered the break up of the UP so the SP and its neighbors have become financially healthy independents.

• The red war bonnet has returned as the norm for ATSF passenger units (small Roman lettering in black as before).  Super fleet units are the same with the large Sante Fe in red on the hood.  Regular freight is the blue and yellow version of the war bonnet.

• SP is still bloody nose freight and passenger - but a few units have been done in heritage Daylight and black widow.

• CSX has emerged as a well-run transcontinental road. The paint scheme is just phasing in to bright future on freight power. Gray (stealth) and some Chessie schemed units still are around. I created a modified "dark future" for passenger and business train use.

• Freight is heavily influenced by automotive (hi-cube auto parts cars, enclosed auto carriers), container and COFC/TOFC hot-shots, and grain shipments.

• The success of Hyundai and other small car makers has revitalized the Vert-A-Pack automotive shipping fleet.  Although until new versions are built, the remaining units are looking a little tired.

The main operating roads are Santa Fe and CSX.  SP and WP (for the California Zephyr) have trackage rights to access the passenger facilities. Both roads share trackage in a Berea, OH-like town in the desert southwest foot hills.

If you have a problem with Alco PAs sitting next to F40PHs, you might want to avoid the passenger locomotive photo section. If a SD70Mac pulling Vert-A-Packs creates stress, proceed with caution.  Just saying.