Re:[DL] Was "Re: Critter info" now Rail Wars

[Rich Ranallo <toadpooka@juno.com>]

The lines you see on the big map are actually only the main "trunks" of their rail networks; every railroad has a ton of smaller lines branching off, and even isolated around the West.
The DP lines offer a lot of opportunity for messing with each other, since they run close to nearly every group's main lines.  That, and just about everyone would like to see Smith & Robards sell the DP off.
Also, conflict doesn't have to be limited to rail lines at all.  Even if, say, Iron Dragon's and Bayou Vermillion's lines don't cross, they'll still send troops to halt the other's progress.  For example, if Baron LaCroix completes his line, the CSA gets a distinct advantage in the War.  The US might shift their focus from rail-building to rail-conquering, trying to take over the already-completed railroad.  Thus, they'll cancel the transcontinental railroad contest, leaving the Dragon out in the cold.
Also, the railroads will still fight over those other advantages: ghost rock strikes, mountain passes and the like.  Even if they're too far away, owning one means that your opponents can't use it.