Although in the real world the L&NE shut down in 1961, I've decided to take some modeler's license since I've always liked the L&NE. As mentioned in previous posts, on my N scale L&HR the 1950s proposed merger of the L&NE and the L&HR actually occurred, and the L&NE did not shut down. Instead, following the merger it retained its corporate identity, but abandoned its route across northwestern NJ to Maybrook in favor of the L&HR route. In my world, the L&NE reaches the L&HR by staying on home rails to Martins Creek PA, crossing the Delaware River there to intersect the PRR BelDel, running south on the BelDel to G Tower north of Phillipsburg, and then on to L&HR rails for the trip to Maybrook.
As a historical footnote, if the 1950s merger had actually occurred, the L&NE would have absorbed the L&HR, rather than the other way around as it is in my world. Apparently, at the time the L&HR was not doing as well financially as the L&NE & the L&NE was perceived as the stronger railroad, at least by the interests pushing for the merger. However, apparently L&HR management realized that their reduced financial position was only temporary & chose not to give up their independence. It looks like they made the right choice since the L&NE shut down in 1961 & the L&HR was financially sound until the PC bankruptcy, and even after that it survived long enough to be incorporated into ConRail.
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