Okay, I take it all back. I was convinced that this was a Jr. or Sr. HS student. I know when I was that age, I couldn't have passed off a project like this. But for a middle-school student...different story. While the conclusions were a bit off, the premise and presentation were very good for a young person of that age. I humbly rescind my comments.

I also encourage the student to come here, and places like this, and ask the railroaders questions the next time a research project like this comes up for some first-hand, "expert opinions" that can be included in the project's research. I see these kinds of queries come up in forums now and then from students and I think railroaders and railroad enthusiasts are eager to help young folks expand their knowledge of the subject when asked for help.