If what Rick says is true then it's too bad for the C&TS as they could probably pick-up some nice coin this way. I think a lot of folks would go for it(not necessarily myself)for that once in a lifetime experience.
I suggest they consider Cuba for this experience. I know several railfans who have run regular engines on various cane lines. I saw video of one guy doing about 40 on a mainline stretch with a nice 4-6-0. I think it cost him some photos and maybe $20.00. Sure cheaper and more spontaneous(read realistic)than stuff here in the states. So, the experience is still out there, you just have to know where to look.
Greg Scholl