Have you written....

Better yet, have you volunteered?

> Riding in a streamliner is not a "typical"
> steam experience (though, as Mr. Gilbert
> pointed out, it was not unheard of)

It could be a "typical" steam experience, if more streamlined engines had been saved. I doubt if Steamtown would have trouble selling out a re-created 20th Century Ltd. with a Dreyfus Hudson up front. The "heavyweight" type equipment is fine, and it is authentic, but it's incomplete, unless it's a re-creation of a rush-hour commuter train, without head-end cars (baggage & RPO) or a dining car of some kind. Think how awesome the S'town trains COULD be with those additions.

> riding in an hep transit coach isn't even
> close, really.

For those riders that are really interested in the engine up front -that's for sure. But for the general public, the transit cars provided an air-conditioned clean ride, and they got to see the engine (if we're talking NJT 614 trips) giving a command performance during the runby's.

> What's more important?

Putting on the best "show" possible. It's entertainment. Cater to the patrons -across the board. If it's to be an "authentic" train, make it complete, not just coaches. If it's to be educational, touring a "complete" train would be a wonderful learning experience. If it's just a "joy ride" to demonstrate what a steam locomotive does, then do it right.

> the ability to record this authenticity
> electronically (photo runbys)?

Most visitors are doing this for entertainment. Almost everybody takes a camera along, and would be thankful for the experience of a well conducted photo-runby, even those who never heard of it before the train comes to a stop. Even those who do not take photos will still enjoy the experience of just watching the steam locomotive perform.

> It's a good point that we're not going to be
> 100% authentic, but "more is
> better," right?

Right! So why not have the added attraction of a well executed photo-runby as part of the experience? That way it would be appealing to "more" of a cross section of customers.

> Pictures, indeed, don't pay the bills,
> but atmosphere certainly sells.

Sold-out trains pay the bills. Build a reputation for putting on a good show, and the trains will be full.

> JPS
I enjoy the chance for this "point-and-counterpoint". These are merely my opinions and suggestions, wanting to see S'town succeed, by following the proceedures used by so many other excursion operations that I have personnally enjoyed for the past 40+ years.