Hi again,
A directional signal is possible since the service area is limited to a shortish stretch of rail to the east of the tower but not likely. Northern Hunterdon is mountainous so reception over a wide area is possible from the right locations. East Brunswick hides behind a hilly ridge so signals are likely blocked and you're at a considerable distance from the transmitter. I'm also behind hills and about as far so no wonder we hear nothing. Medford is suitably located and over flat terrain reasonably strong signals are expected.
Now lemme see, "channel 2" is usually simplex on the repeater output or another repeater but normally the dispatcher only receives the repeater input. Railroads use multiple linked sites for obvious reasons be they repeaters or simplex so it can get very complicated at times. I guess because they so very rarely announce a frequency change it's going to take dedicated monitoring and a whole lot of luck to scope this out.
Well, today I rode behind a GP40-P2B and the conductor had his speaker-mic strapped on like a bandolier but the radio was silent most of the time. No, I left mine home, it wasn't a pleasure cruise. (;->)