Re: Reality vs Virtual Reality

I certainly agree there's nothing like steam! I've spent a lot of time in the cab, although it's been a while. Mostly firing and running a Pacific Coast Shay, but also several logging engines.
However, there's another side to the sim that could be pretty important to all steam engines operating. Those of us that experienced revenue steam are getting old! My dad was a conductor, I rode steam in the 50's with him. Most guys that worked on it are gone. Many of the kids, like me, are only kids at heart.
Today, I think you could safely say that most kids are more into virtual reality (computer games, X-box, etc.) than the real thing. If some become fascinated with steam from the sim, it builds the base of young folks that will come out to see the Eureka and other treasures. We've gotta hook em somehow!
Another guy working on the Sumpter Route with me is in New Zealand. He's planning a trip to the USA in 2006, partly to see steam. He'd never heard of the SVRy. After working on the route with me, it's on his must see list!