YES, I would get upset over seeing 2816 with TH&B lettering, because 2816 NEVER operated under that company's name!!!. But I would get over it, as seeing a steam locomotive operating in 2005 in North America is a bonus! (even if is painted pink!) There again, you also have the Harry Potter fans, who "accept" that their "fantasy" locomotive has Great Western Railway heritage, but is carrying London Midland Railway allocation plate! A quick, historical review, reveals that very few GWR locomotives were assigned to LMR!

Its only paint. Paint can be changed pretty quickly.

I have to say that steam in action, wherever it is, is great!

Yes, I've seen steam in real service in the US back in the '50's and most of the great fan trippers that have run since. As for esthetics, I like the ruggedness of American steam but have learned from experience that German decapods and Pacifics can put on a very satisfying show. I can tell you from experience that walking through a roundhouse, whether in Dresden or Paducah, creates the same atmosphere of hot oil and simmering steam and makes this steam fan feel "at home". I've ridden 80 mph behind 4449, IC 2613, 614, 611, and a German 03 class Pacific and stood on the grades of Blue Ridge and in the Thuringen forest as doubleheaded hogs lifted heavy trains with pushers shoving hard and exhaust plumes reaching into the sky. Believe me, it's a great experience wherever you are.

I've heard the put-downs from American fans about foreign steam and I've met many others who, having once experienced the show of hard working steam in foriegn lands, were converted. Sure, American steam power led the world in guts and glory but how can you dismiss the accomplishments of the Brits or French in their accomplishments of speed and style? Don't forget that it was England's green Southern Railway locos that spurned America's Southern Railway to go green on their PS-4's.

Open your eyes and ears friends, steam is a wonderful thing, no matter where it is.

-Jim Herron

It's pretty funny that the guy who says that Americans are geographically challenged goes on to say that the family beaming with pride at Baldwin #26 was from "Baldwinsville, NY" on Long Island.

Baldwinsville is in Onondaga County, just Northwest of Syracuse.

The name of the town in Nassau County, on Long Island is Baldwin, just like the name of the famous locomotive works which was in Eddystone, PA.

And yes, I know I'm responding to a 10 year old post. Perhaps 10 years hence someone else will read and reply to this post. The road goes on forever.

Heck, we all know plenty of fans who aren't interested in any RRs that ran as close as a neighboring state.
Not shocked that people who give a giant "Meh" to anything Canadian.

Everybody has their angle, I'm no differrent, not a big pennsy or NYC fan but in this day and age anything steam is yer bonus and we need to support it. I'm not negative about other areas, but I am more into this and not so into that, but letem steam up, lets go!

wow..this has to win the ultimate zombie thread award!
a solid decade..that's very impressive, in a sad way.

Scot