I attended LIU Southampton College....we had a R x R track on the North side of the campus...ours was commuter. I don't remember ever seeing cargo or tankers.

Check with the local EMS/FD.... I had joined the local volunteer ambulance company and I learned a lot. A good company should have 'pre-plans' for just such a contigency.....You should be able to find out something......but don't be surprised to find that they are a little leary of 'people' who come in asking questions specific to what is carried on the rails or of the emergency procedures if TSHTF.....the info can be used by bad guys too, so they will probably be a little skittish.

Maybe you could start a 'pre-plan' with them and the college?!? It would allow you to help the school and get 'with the in crowd' and show them you are not 'just curious'.....good luck.