I'm glad there is somewhere else on the web to discuss this in the web...there's a thread at railroad.net but the moderators there are like a litigious coven of old witches with their pantsuits in a twist.

I would be very surprised if they use Bennett Levin's cars, given his politics are generally known and he was almost certainly dissatisfied with the outcome of the election.

They are forbidding any discussion of security at railroad.net. As though Al Queda is going to turn to them for ideas - a thoroughly risible degree of paranoia. But I find it quite worrisome: no matter which way you slice it rail right-of-ways are more difficult to protect than road (security forces have more mobility) and air (good luck shooting air force one down). I'm actually an Obama supporter but I think this was a poor choice on his part. The train will go through some pretty hostile territory - either politically or geographically...Cecil County had a chapter of the KKK only 15 or so years ago, even though it was one of the most pro-abolition Maryland Counties during the Civil War era. (had a high % of Quakers) And there are several segments that are open to water - be it the Bush River in Maryland, or the 9 mile stretch N. of Wilmington that is practically level with the Delaware river. Presumably they will need patrol boats in those areas. I just don't know how they can offer the total, blanket protection they normally like to be able to offer. I'm sure they are freaking out about this.