Last month I shot the Pere Marquette 2-8-4 on a photo special in Michigan. Now I am not a huge fan of this railroad which was merely a regional that was consumed by the Chesapeake and Ohio. However, it was a Lima Berkshire, and it was authentical lettering on the tender, even though we never ran it on former PM trackage up there. At least it was in 50's appearance for when it ran as a PM steam engine. It only ran about 10 years.
Got my advance copy of Railfan and Railroad. Editor Steve Barry was there and has a 4 page photo article in the new issue.
The point here is that these tourist lines could accomplish two things at once by using the original lettering on engines and tenders. Keep it authentic and historical, plus provide the steam power than most folks enjoy.
Lots of places keep the old name on the tenders... Knotts Berry Farm(Narrow Gauge), Huckeleberry, Nevada Northern, Heber Valley, Steam Railroading Institute(PM 1225 and Flagg Coal tank engine), etc, etc.
As you said, at least the 315 will be Denver and Rio Grande Western most likely. I know D&S runs a lot of photo specials with D&RGW lettering. Wonder if they have considered making that permanent for historical purposes. It might actually be a nice selling point for the touristas as a marketing tool. "Come ride behind and see our authentic lettered and painted steam engines" Hey, why not!!! Same for the C&TS. Instead they use that flying C&TS which is not historical to anything. At least use the old C&TS lettering if you must, and the herald. I guess every 10 years or so they need to revamp their style!!!
Greg, beating a dead horse as usual, Scholl
