[MikeK]

When A's were new the railroad was the transportation king and lines were wealthy beyond belief. They all had their own watchmen, police, and general strong-arm thugs who both rode with and guarded stopped freight trains. The RR's are all in financial distress now and cargo security is largely based on enclosed and locked transport.

The entire justice system mentality was different too. Back then stealing off a train could get your brains bashed in on the spot by a club wielding RR employee. Instant and cheap justice. Today you can't club a thief, they have personal rights! The lengthy and expensive arrest/ charge/ prosecute/ litigate process for most thefts would cost the RR more than the loss itself.