I have noticed on a couple other threads a discussion about whether steam railroads will survive. It is a very important topic if what we do is to continue into the future.
Many believe, as do I, that steam will never fully disappear. However, the question is if it will thrive, and continue to be a part of our culture with a pool of support from the general population. The problem then becomes (aside from maintenance concerns) how does the seed get planted in the popular mind so that steam will not just exist, but flourish?
I think that it can be done only through continuing publicity. Steam locomotives sell themselves. They are majestic pieces of machinery that catch the eye and imagination. But, to catch the eye and imagination they must be seen, and seen by a LOT of people. A tourist or museum operation helps in this regard, but it does not reach the millions of people out there who have never been exposed to steam railroading. The only way to effectively do that is to use the popular mass media in film, television, and print. When movies are made that concern steam locomotives they seem to be very popular. Anyone remember "The Polar Express" or "The Great Locomotive Chase" or"The Train?" These span a 50 year period, and had huge audiences. The History Channel, PBS and others have run series on steam railroads that have always met with success. The point is, that this is the way to reach huge numbers of people and get them interested. This is by no means the only way to raise and maintain public interest, but it is by far the way to reach the most people and firmly set the hook.
Railfair 91 and 99 at the CSRM were also huge successes, and brought in hundreds of thousands of people who never saw a steam locomotive live. I can say from personal experience that they were agog. There was national television coverage and huge print coverage. It became an experience that many people will never forget, and caused many to want to get involved.
So, while there seems to be some gloom and doom about what will happen n the future, I for one think the future will be bright if only we keep the steam locomotive in the public eye. I do what I can with Eureka, but I am only one person with one locomotive.
Any other ideas out there?
Dan Markoff
