While I have no reason to doubt that this statement has been used a number of times by many on this forum and elsewhere, I have my doubts about the validity of this statement.
I question whether or not an actual research study has been conducted to assert whether the public is unaware of the difference between steam and diesel locomotives.
Furthermore, I find it highly unlikely that major corporations such as the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, along with numerous smaller railroads would engage in spending significant money and time on programs which do not significantly affect their public image.
As a volunteer at a museum which operates only Diesel-Electric locomotives, I have seen children and adults alike who are completely aware and disappointed that they did not ride behind a steam locomotive. The whole procedure of oiling around an engine, smelling smoke and steam oil, seeing wisps of steam and smoke, and watching the fireman top off the tank and shovel coal can be mesmerizing. The way the crew interacts with the locomotive is fascinating, which is why anytime a steam locomotive is around, all eyes are on it. It is markedly different from machines we see today day in that it requires interaction and cooperation for it operate successfully.
Perhaps that is why so many of us are still fascinated by them and wish to ensure their continued operation. Externally, the diesel locomotive is comparatively simple and does not beg for attention. The steam locomotive literally screams for it. The steam locomotive and its crew are so engaging to watch that I suspect entire generations of young men (and women) were conned into working for the railroad by their mere presence.
In addition, should the quote above be accurate, we as preservationists, museum operators, and historians have a duty to educate the public on the difference between the steam locomotive and the diesel and what they are missing out on!
That being said, I am confident the 1003 will be shopped when the time is right. It may be now or it may be in several years. Either way, rebuild the 1003!

Stephen Piwowarski

Very well written Stephan I like your post!

I heard the president at a local museum mutter under his breath that after watching the parking lot that the majority of the people pulling into the parking lot came for a train ride and left right away. They did not wander over and view the wonderful display shed full of super nice restored wooden cars and equipment or tour the outside exhibits. I do not criticize him at all for his comment as he was probably right. But the thing he was missing is exactly what you said. Even if one is not a railfan there is something mystically or magnetically pulling most poeple to a steam engine that is hot, smelly, steaming and really is alive. The smoke and steam belching monster is one powerful thing to observe up close and personal. Your points about watching the engine crew oil, wipe down, grease or wrench on an appliance at the depot is mesmerizing. It is what is missing at my museum too. The same thing that got most of us hooked is the same drawing power to most people even if they do not understand or care about the history part of it. It is real and in your face, very little in life offers that kind of excitment. Ok I guess I can think of a few other exciting things but we won't go there. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Cheers, John.

I think it is great to see the comments about the liking towards the 1003 that people have. It has been a part of my life for the last 14 years.

For something that is 97 years old, it sure did make a great show when it was operated in different capacities. The bad thing these days for any locomotive is justifying the amount of money to rebuild for the amount of time it will be used for, and of course where the funding comes from. We are not fortunate like the CP or UP steam program or 261 in that case, being a private piece of equipment, that we do not have the suport of backers of the company. The thing is to enjoy the locomotives when you can, and I agree with a previous post that a locomotive such as 1003 will be shopped again when the time is right and conditions warrant.

I have lived through a place that had a decline in ridership because I saw first hand what happens to cars entering a parking lot and seeing a diesel on the train, some people do not mind what is pulling the train. The Zoo I work at runs both steam nd diesel and in a place like that, people ride no matter what the engine is.


To me it is important to keep the knowledge of steam going as much as possible for anything in the future that may come up. I am afraid that in these days of high insurance, the economy, and the business of today's railroads that things may not be the same as we have growm to know them by. I will keep my fingers crossed and will enjoy what I am able to enjoy while I can. I know next Saturday will be a sad day for me.