If you think 99.9% of the people don't care about steam, then maybe you have never rode behind 765. I never cease to be amazed by the sheer number of people that show up trackside just to catch a glimpse of it. It's not uncommon around here to get 30-40 people at a single country grade crossing, and then the next, and then the next. Once again, I am not suggesting that CSX has to participate in the operation of steam excursions, what I am suggesting is that have a recent history of being downright hostile regarding simple things they could do to help those that operate and display steam and other historic equipment. Not allowing a steamer to be towed a few miles down a siding to get to an event? Refusing to move a historic passenger car to a museum because it doesn't "like" the type of roller bearings it has, when Norfolk Southern moved it with no issue? I got to thinking about something the other day. back in the mid 90's the FWRHS borrowed C&O 2716 to pull some excursions. When it came time for 2716 to return to it's home in Kentucky, NS and CSX teamed up and took it home. If that situation were to happen today, 2716 would likely have been marooned in Fort Wayne forever.
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