Russon
I agree. What I thought is that some folks want a fashion show of period clothing, and Randy Hees hit the nail on the head. What is a "period" look means different things to different people. While I do not believe wearing a Micky Mouse T shirt is appropriate, what we are doing is not reliving memories, rather we are making NEW memories in the 21st century. It is amazing enough that the locomotives and cars from the 19th century are still operating ! So as long as the clothing is safe and appropriate for working a locomotive, that should be enough. I am not a fashion hound for any period even though I often wear a bowler hat (but not always) and gauntlet gloves and biboveralls. I find those things keep me from getting burned by flying cinders and hot locomotive controls. The reason is that they are appropriate and effective now as well in the past.
Dan Markoff