Got back from a trip from a trip through the Carolinas to Pennsylvania to see how the G & W railroads are doing.
I came on the property, knocked on the door, told them who I was, showed them my copy of the annual report and spoke to the local manager. I found out a lot of information - except on two railroads, where I could not find anybody to talk to.
I was treated politely, but the there was a little bit of tension. When I asked permission to come on the property to see and photograph the equipment I was told firmly "No" every time. Ever since that drunk down in Florida stole that locomotive on CSX and drove it 7 miles to get to the local bar, TSA has come out with stronger policies against non-employees being on the property.
One thing to note - each railroad is primarily driven by the local economies, by how well the local communities are giving incentives for companies to be established or stay open and the product mix of the local industries.
For example, the CAGY is strongly tied to the rice crop, and the GSWR to the peanut crop.

I will procedd railroad by railroad.