Greg Responds to allegations

First I admit I have not been to either the Texas State Railroad nor the Huckleberry, but I haven't been to Nevada Northern, Steamtown, Grand Canyon either, but have a pretty good idea from pictures and video I have seen.
Chris, the one thing you forget, is the list is for STEAM spots, not Pennsylvania railroad landmarks. Meaning no disrespect for the ones not on the list, but my reasons were based on some of these factors....Multiple engines operational, or interchangeable, interesting mainline feel, or historical significance, and length and location of trackage.
Strasburg and EBT almost do not fit my list, because they are so short, but other factors like track-record of Strasburg and business practices being a viable tourist route put them on the list, as a template for other railroads. Sumpter was considered, but is still fairly short. They could crack the top 10 soon when they extend the line, and get another engine operational. In some ways they are ahead of EBT in that regard.
Just looking at tourist lines, yes there are others with longer runs, but maybe not as interesting, or historically significant, like Texas State, or Boone and Scenic(I Have been there). TVRM is one of the best 3.5 mile lines in operation, but its only 3.5 miles and operates
a non-historically accurate locomotive. They do have a great steam shop, and some other engines like 630 and 4501 that could put them on the list eventually. The big plus for TVRM is their off line trips to Summerville each fall. They are running one day per weekend for 7 straight weekends in 2005. My brother shot one of these runs last year. Its 100 mile RT with steam, which is pretty unusual.
So, TVRM does warrant consideration, but its not a place to spend all day if you are just doing the regular train ride. I hope to get to Sumpter someday, as this place seems to have their act together and I want to do a photo special there. Nice background scenery(another plus for my list), and seem to have great folks to work with.
I guess one big factor is historic significance. Thats where EBT makes the list perhaps over TVRM.
While EBT might not be all that exciting of a train ride, there is the X-factor with all the buildings, and historic equipment. Also always in the back of my mind is someday the line could be extended, which would make it more worthwhile.
Some places are simply just another train ride, and not all that exciting. My list takes into account many things including fun-factor! Huckleberry sounds good, and frankly since I have not been there, I can't judge it well enough so I plead guilt on this one. Maybe someday when 464 is running again I can venture up there.
I purposely did not include mainline steam, except for UP, since its the only real mainline steam with any significance. The other big steamers run so seldom they don't count on this type of list. Ohio Central for 2005 almost does not warrant making the list, and I consider it a marginal choice. However, they are supposed to test 2-8-0 #33 when the rebuild is finished, and could run several steamers there in the future. There are few places like this with this potential. Of course potential does not mean activity, so I agree this one is questionable.
Also remember this is not the best tourist lines, but best steam places! White Pass would make the list if it were steam. Also I tended to not list museums with short train rides nor amusement related locations, which is why places like Knotts and perhaps Huckleberry don't make the list.
While I have seen video of Roaring Camp, I have a question. Is this original NG railroad, or was this place constructed as a tourist railroad? It is an interesting place for sure. Remember my list is not gospel, just my list! Even I don't feel they are all concrete choices.
Mt. Rainier....Yes another possible one for the list. I have been there twice. They should also be a contender. In reality there would be about 10 railroads that would likely tie at a number 7-10 position on the list! " />
Greg