Re: [NSW] 3801 Black No More

[John Dennis <jdennis@acslink.net.au>]

In article <385852E4.1D099FB0@ozemail.com.au>,
  James Brook <ajmbrook@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
> When the locomotive is operational why can't you bring back some of
the past. I
> agree you can't bring back all of the past, but you can bring back a
fair bit of
> it. Painting the locomotive black for a few years isn't really that
hard to do.
> Also most railfans and the public like the black livery, so it isn't
exactly
> unpopular. I don't want to offend you or anything but I have noticed
that older
> people tend to assume that they can't bring back the past so they
don't even bother
> trying. Its rather interesting that the age of volunteers at the CHTR
seems to be
> lower than some of the steam groups, yet the CHTR are the most
heritage orientated
> group in Victoria. Other groups tend to create their own little
fantasies with
> headboards, nameplates, british style colour schemes and other non
authentic
> additions, but the CHTR try to do things as accurately as possible.
If you see
> their railmotors then you'll know what I mean.

James, I have seen the CHTR and their railmotors, and agree they have
done a terrific job.

In many respects I guess you do have a point.  If you want to see a
steam train running you might as well have it authentic as possible,
even though it is running on a foreign (in era) infrastructure, past
once busy stations which are now closed.

You see, I think there is more to running a train than the loco and the
cars.  The heritage aspects of the line, the buildings, etc, must be
considered too.  In this respect the tourist lines have an advantange
over Steamrail because their trains run on infrastructure that the
operators control.

Unfortunately (and sadly too) I very rarely travel on a fan trip these
days.  They need something special, and higher speed cars combined with
a late night trip back to town would help too.  Personally I don't
enjoy the sight of an R class being watered by the local fire brigade.
However, if it keeps steam running, it has to be done.

Sorry if I am rambling a bit here ... it's very late (Melbourne time)
and I am transiting thru Singapore at the moment.  Brain a bit
fuddled...

Cheers...JD
--
John Dennis
Home of the Dutton Bay Tramway
http://www.acslink.net.au/~jdennis/dbt.html


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