Bro, time for a perspective check.
1. The F40 was headed for the scrap pile but an innovative mechanical engineer figured out that it would be a cost-effective and useful baggage and/or cab car. It's described as "neutered" because it has no traction motors or prime mover. It could be razor blades.
2. As for the "could it get any worse" comment about a minor grade crossing incident for 145, yes, it could get way worse. People could've died. The locomotive could've sustained major damage. A hazardous material spill could've tainted groundwater feeding a stream with endangered species...
Look, a railroad is a business, not a fantasy land. They're here to earn a return on the sizable investment that people have put in, not entertain or delight us. Frankly, a railroad isn't even here to carry things - imagine that! The railroad is only here to earn the biggest return on investment. If that means selling the land because it's worth more as a skyscraper than a mainline, they'll do it. Most of the bankrupt railroads that were put into Conrail could give their shareholders some return because all the non-rail or abandoned ROW's were sold for handsome money. Morning Sun books was started with financing based on the publisher's Lehigh Valley stock post-bankruptcy.
The new Acela: It's not Aveliable.
