Metra and CVSR are not class 1 railroads. Apparently it is now impossible to operate public steam excursions on class 1 railroads anymore, with Amtrak no longer allowing excursions and most class 1's not willing either, it's basically game over for mainline steam except for ferry moves and non public excursion moves. And hedge funds could care less about steam. Their only goal is making a profit. I believe Jim Squires at NS could care less about steam, either, he is not Wick Moorman. NS is too busy with its normal operations to host steam excursions anymore. You can now ride behind 611 on one mile of track at 10 mph at the NCTM. Anyway, steam is more fun with open windows, at least in my area we still have the 425 and soon the B&M 3713 at Scranton for "mainline" excursions on non class 1 track. And maybe the 2102. Also, the WMSR 1309 might be running by July. We all now have to just enjoy what steam we do have rather than complain about what we no longer have. There are some locomotives that haven't run in decades that will be running soon on tourist railroads like Steamtown and Western Maryland.
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