A different market

The folks on this kind of train are only vaguely interested in the steam, or even the train. But they do enjoy sitting in the lounge car sipping on their adult beverages. Nothing wrong with that, and $12K for 15 days in not all that bad on a per day basis. Note that no mention is made of photo stops, much less photo runbys. There seem to be quite a few folks, especially Brits, who like this sort of trip. I think it would be a great trip from an exploring standpoint, it certainly would take me to some places I have not been to and would like to see. And do so in comfort. What I really don't understand is why steam? Steam must be adding a huge amount to the cost, and once you are inside the train you will hardly notice what is up front.

Some years ago a similar trip was organized to run behind steam on the Canadian Pacific from coast to coast. It was marketed to a similar clientele. I chased the train through BC and Alberta. The steam engine put on a great show. The scenery was spectacular. The weather was great. But nobody was hanging out vestibule doors, and few folks were riding the open platforms of the business cars used. Those that were on the open platforms had drinks in their hands. There were no real photo stops. But the folks hermetically sealed inside appeared to be having a great time. The train could just as easily been hauled by a couple of diesels for a fraction of the high price. But it was full.

JBWX