I agree. The B&O conductor treated passengers as “his guests, riding his train”.The B&O always provided great service, unlike PRR. My ride in the Shenandoah (it had a 10-6 then) was bittersweet. After so many trips on B&O’s National Ltd i knew I wouldn’t ride this route again as it was clear it wouldn’t last. I don’t know for sure but I suspect influential Congressman Harley Staggers had something to do with its existence.
He truly worked hard to try to ensure its continuation, which unfortunately did not happen. The haughty PRR crews often treated passengers as an imposition.
Probably where Amtrak’s “culture” for some originated…