Heritage railway USP ~ STEAM.

[LarryG]

The increasing number of steam railway programs on TV are making viewers even more aware of what is out there, and the the programs revolve around the steam locomotive, the staff and the scenery. These programs create an attractive package. I wonder how many people visiting a town look over a bridge and see a DMU, then walk on.

Back in the early 1990's , the big new idea was to operate a small industrial steam loco and two coaches during the Winter months. So long as it puffs, whistles and smells of steam etc, the public are happy.

 

[Neil]

That's an interesting argument Larry but I don't think it's the full picture. A few years ago Mrs R and I went to Lisbon. One of the attractions for me was the tram system and it appeared that I was not alone as the popular hilly routes with the old trams (actually rebuilt/refurbished) were rammed, with tourists outnumbering locals.






I think this fits in what you've identified as some doing something different from the normal or everyday but I'd argue that it doesn't necessarily have to have a steam engine on the front. My guess would be that the Pullman/fine dining trains will work just as well with a diesel up front, after all the VSOE manages quite well without steam. If the UK had an equivalent of an F7 in the full war bonnet livery I could see that doing well too. Admittedly it's easiest to give a sense of occasion with a kettle at the head of the train but I don't think it's the only option.