Steve,
Sounds like Railstar is making an effort to get the right message out...and perhaps it is just not getting broad enough exposure to head off those that would attempt to pigeon hole or mock them. It is not helping that they seem to be hedging or dodging the "hot button" issue of what equipment they plan to run. Perhaps it would be timely now to outline a roster of equipment available and ready to operate? Certainly, facts over-rule suppositions and that would keep all the meaningless (and negative) chatter at bay. I am sure that you are right and Ron is very low key and trying to make a good impression, so just a little well placed information could do a lot of good. (That is not to say that the info would need to appear here.) Jason Midyette seems to have made several favorable posts concerning Railstar and Jason is in a position to get the word out...How about a good solid piece in the Timetable? Something with some really good facts and not just vague promises would really help!
As to the situation with CHS, it still worries me that they are the actual new operators of the line. As all of this came down, it was readily apparent that they had no clue about what they were doing...granted they seem to be picking up some of the basics in the industry - Joe Bell now seems to understand the difference between narrow and standard gauge and I think he has some idea about geared vs. rod engines and hopefully, he is aware now that there are rigorous standards for proper ultra-sounding of boilers...but all in all, it might be best if, Ron, as the industry expert, started putting the face on this operation. CHS, more so than anyone chatting in this forum, is Railstar's biggest PR liability.
Karell