Sean, your enthusiasm is over the top which is not necessarily a bad thing but the real railroads cannot afford volunteerism. It's not about paying them but rather the liability issues. If you want to help out with guidance, come out to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. It's an all volunteer organization and you'd have time and people willing to teach you the ways.
Boy, havent i heard that one before. teehee. I do Visit the RGVRRM, when my parents allow it(but seemingly, their plans seem to ovderride mine..quite annoying) I was going to come today, in hopes of doing some work, but Barn Painting got in the way of that.. Meh. stuff happens.
Hopefully you'll see my eager face show up next week!
Sean