I disagree, but thats my opinion. If you are a MUSEUM, then that museum operation should act like one, and respect the history of the equipment. If you build new coaches to haul folks in, then by all mean paint whatever you like on those NEW coaches.
I think the key difference here is the MUSEUM factor. If you are a for profit privately owned train ride, I guess you have the right to put anything you want on YOUR trains.
There is a private outfit here in Ohio with a great 4-8-4 that was Grand Trunk Western. I asked why they put their Ohio Central Logo on the tender, and had the CPR engine with Canadian Pacific lettering. The answer was that 6325 was their flagship engine for the Ohio Central...Okay, whatever!!! But, It is their train, so they can paint it purple if they wish.
State owned, and other MUSEUM operations should adhere to the historical markings as much as possible. Why call a Ford a Jones, or a Chevy and Smith!!!
If you are not a MUSEUM, you can do whatever you like. I think thats the biggest difference between the D&S and the C&TS. The C&TS should be the historically accurate one, while D&S is private and it can do whatever it wants. However, I applaud their more recent efforts during the Harper regime to move more toward historical influences.
I just can't understand the logic of replacing the authentic names with some cute name just in the name of selling some more tickets. Is it right to sacrifice authenticity to be more commercial!!!! If the answer is yes, then why have any museums at all. Just make another train ride and make it as commercial as can be!!!
No personal jabs at anyone in particular, just my opinion!
Greg Scholl
