New NS steam program is a mixed bag:
Great for chasers and video/photo buffs, but otherwise rider unfriendly.
In NS's defense, insurance liability realities would make it very difficult to run group-sponsored public excursions.
The ticket prices would be out of reach of most families, given present economic circumstances.
Just glad I was able to ride many trips (1974-1994) during the GLORY days of the Southern/NS steam program!
Check out Jim Wrinn's "Steam's Camelot" for a nostalgic remembrance of this wonderful era complete with a plethora of color photographs.