Thanks for the excellent pics and commentary. The pics brought back a lot of fond memories of my visit there in 2006 with my youngest son. As can be seen from the pics, it is a very unique and fascinating operation. I believe Shavano posted some pics from his trip this year. He was correct when he mentioned that you should get a seat in the coach right in front of the steam locomotive. The sights and sounds will rival other working steamers. And you are only a couple feet away from the engine. We were there in May and it was cold and foggy at the top. Thanks again for posting and here are a couple pics from our trip, And the line is very "bucket list" worthy. And it can easily be combined with visits to the Maine 2 footers and The Conway Scenic Railway down the road. And I am impressed you hiked to the tank and passing siding, as it was the location of one of my favorite photos I took on the ride, which I attached.
Randy in PHX