I had the pleasure of visiting the South Simcoe operation in 1997 as part of
the CN/CP SIG convention in Oshawa. CP 136 powered our train, and I don't
think I would have bothered to take the trip if it had been diesel powered.
I had been on a fan trip behind 136 way back in 1959 when it was operated by
CP on their Norton to Chipman, N.B. line. While I do model modern diesels,
there is not much railway "romance" when they power a passenger train.
The Salem & Hillsborough Railroad here in New Brunswick used to operate
136's sister #29 and other steam engines on their tourist train when
government subsidies were plentiful. Since they have been on their own,
diesel power has been the norm. It's just not the same!
I made many trips to see the steamers in operation, but hardly ever bother
to see their diesels. Others have told me the same. Many people who
experienced steam operations in previous years want to show their families
what a steam engine looked, sounded and smelled like. Diesels just do not
have the interest to non-railfans. A diesel train is usually looked at as
transportation rather than a unique experience that rekindles old memories.
Bob Boudreau
Saint John, N. B. Canada
Mailto:reb@...
