deltic17

Yes - I agree with you - but obviously as we all recognise it is most important that the preserved lines maximise every possible revenue stream especially in the current economic climate/recent years with Covid closures etc. It is the same with the steam vs diesel argument - I travelled from Surrey today to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire for their Mixed Traction Gala (I was only there for the diesels but appreciate the steamers) so that is around an extra £50 I gladly put in their bank balance but did smile overhearing someone at a sales stand at Broadway commenting by saying 'the proper engine is down that end' (referring to the steam engine) when I and many others were more interested in Deltic 55019 at the other end. I think everyone needs to support each other as best we can to progress together and generally the preserved lines generally make a good job of this. The diesels play an important role too such as in the summer with the heat and steam bans on many lines due to the fire risk.