Re: FEC 148

I would also rather see American Steam restored given all things being equal, like the locomotives and the cost. However, if I were running a run of the mill tourist operation and just wanted a steam engine, and the price was cheaper for a new engine from China versus another American Engine that was smaller I would go with the engine from China. In the case of the 148 it nor the China engine would be authentic to the area so it doesn't much matter in that instance.
I would like to see more US engines running that are available to do so, before seeing a Chinese engine run in the U.S. I think we are talking two different things here though...(1)Tourist lines are more apt to use the Chinese engine or the 148 type engine, (2)Mainline engines in the U.S. are available to run NOW, but given the insurance and other mainline issues are pretty much stuck, so the type of engine becomes a mute point. NKP 2-8-4 # 765 being a good example of an engine all dressed-up and no place to run!
Greg