PRSL,
Actually, if you have ever been to Disneyworld, you'd know the cars and locomotives are beautifully kept, and give a very good idea of what it would have been like taking a holiday excursion in the 19th century. They even have one of the only narrow gauge Americans still operating, gorgeous little steam engine.
The Durango & Silverton uses original coaches, but they're painted in a historically accurate livery that you find distasteful, so they get partial credit. Cass may not use "red paint" on their locomotives, but last time I checked they had a fleet of roller bearing equipped flatcars painted red, green, and yellow.................just like they used to use right?
You criticize the new cars built for the Loop, even though they have pretty much the exact same paint job the GTL used for years. Red and white for the ability to catch the eye and be able to see grab irons and other safety appliances.
I know that you have a set design of the rules and regulations that all historic railroads, or just railroads in general, need to fall under, but they don't. For the most part these are pieces of machinery that now have no real purpose other than to let people enjoy themselves and have a comfortable "trip back in time" as it were. There is definate merit with historical accuarcy, but sometimes it's not completely practical and changes have to be made.
Plus, if for example, the CHS tried to run original equipment, the historians for the most part would condemn them, and if they operate modified cars that are easy to get parts for and maintain, they have no focus on accuracy. Quite the double edged sword isn't it?
Thanks, Taylor
