STEAM LOCOMOTIVES & THE GREEN MOVEMENT

I have no problem believing that Xanterra ended steam on the GC Ry in order to be green, even if the decision costs them more money. And I see no proof for the widely held conclusion that dropping steam is saving them money. Whether you agree with the green mission or not, Xanterra is clearly on that mission big time. Read their website, particularly the environmental section where you will find a letter from their president that gives a flavor of their green corporate identity and how seriously they take it:


[www.xanterra.com]


I speculate that there is no argument that would cause them to change their mind and operate the steamers. The issue transcends the actual emissions of steam or diesel locomotives, and goes to the very symbolism of steam locomotives, which arrogantly flies in the face of green. Considering that symbolism, I am surprised that Xanterra even displays their steam locomotives.

In my opinion, the best possible outcome of this development would be that the steam locomotives are sold to others who will preserve and maybe operate them. But I wonder if Xanterra could have a clear conscience selling those steamers to another operator who would use them to continue the green assault. The really green thing to do with the steamers would be to recycle them.

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds. I think that the ending of steam is only chapter one in this saga. In one of the latter chapters, will come electrification of the railroad with solar generated power. In the meantime, there will be chapters dealing with the fate of the steam and diesel locomotives.