I model the Grand Trunk Western in the early 1990s
I'm still not sure exactly why the GTW appealed to me at first, other than I live in a historically big NYC/Conrail area and the GTW ran through a neighboring town, which made that road more "rare" and interesting to me at the time.
Now, after years of getting to know the GTW, it's kind of like an old friend. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a bit of an underdog and I like that too.
I have a few early diesel and steam GTW models too, but that's not my focus
I also include some Canadian National traffic as they're the parent company of the GTW. Also, i really like the unique Canadian equipment they run, like the Canadian-stye wide cab units below.