Much of the lack of interest in Eastern, Southern and Midwest, is due to early departures of these lesser known lines. Also lost were equipment and structures overtime. Here in Ohio we are aware of the Ohio River and Western in Eastern Ohio. It folded in 1933 and few relics are still around. ET&WNC only left a few bridges and some car bodies behind. Many other ng lines were so obscure that few railfans or historians took photos or little of paper or timetables remain.
Now with this forum and other facebook and websites, some of these lines are gaining attention. I always have wanted to see a photo on the ng then std.ex-CL&N/PRR Blue Ash to Montgomery, OH branch. Nothing has resurfaced about the branch. I grew up across from the abandoned grade that was visable till the 1970's through a former Golf Course that has since been developed as a housing tract.
Dale Brown