Luther:
You state that time is the limited resource. I don't think so. The limited resource appears to be the lack of capital that WNYP has had to deal with from day one.
Couple the lack of capital with the lack of experience in any business and you have a prescription for disaster.
The WNYP like all railroads must have capable personnel in the field and in first level management. The disconnect usually begins above that level. Senior management on many of the nation's railroads fails to be seasoned personnel that have the rank and file knowledge of how to operate a railroad. Operating a railroad in theory does not work. How things should happen and how they actually happen are miles apart in the railroad business. Similar businesses have similar problems; manufacturing, banking, health care, service industry and other businesses. It takes qualified, hands-on type people along with operating capital.
Would you want a cash register repairman working on your vehicle? Would you want a concrete truck driver cooking your dinner at a fine restaurant? I think not, and those businesses screen and select the proper people for the positions. Likewise, the businesses are usually run by the appropriate, qualified people. In the case of the auto business; a qualified automobile sales or marketing expert. In the case of the fine restaurant; a well-known, trained qualified chef or food service industry leader.
Railroads should do the same. Because a person likes a certain piece of railroad does not mean he has the ability to run it. Railroads need qualified people in each of the important functions: executive, operating, financing, marketing and maintenance. Mr. Belke, who I personally do not know, must appear to the owners to be the right person for one or more of those positions.
If you have the proper people in place, the financial backing will fall into place, granted of course, if it is a viable business venture.
SMT