Should all inactive steam Locomotive be recristened or on display?

Question

I've always wanted to see steam trains in operation on the main line or on branch lines either way I'd want to see steam locomotives on the rails again because all the cars and trucks and diesel-electric locomotives are just too modern for me I want to return to simple times when you would always see young boys train chasing or waving at the engineer as the trains passed by. This would one of my first acts as US President; I'll talk to rail bosses and try to get their approval. So should the old iron horse take to the rails again? P.S. no tree hugging hippie answers, and please say yes to this?

Answer 1

OK "yes I agree with Rango. I dought you will ever see the come back of the steam locomotive. The US President doesn't give a rats @$$ about the old time steam engines.... He can't pass bills to improve the modern everyday passenger service in the USA. Steamers pollute, and the clean air act would kill that idea. Plus where on earth would the railroads find skilled men smart enough to mass produce replacement parts to repair them. Oh I forgot MEXICO|!!!Steams train are only found on short lines, such as the strasburg railroad in eastern pa. P,S,............ I hug a tree all the time!

Answer 2

yes???

ummmm, you will have to have very deep pockets though, as you know, the reason diesel locomotives replaced the steamers in such a short time is they are much more reliable and economical, to a railroad executive the spells profit, and profitiability beats tree hugging hippies anyday.

Of course the President could make this happen, just pass an executive order and tell the railroad bosses to either shape up or you will send them to a railroad at the North Pole shoveling coal to the Santa Express.

Answer 3

it would be cool to see them huffing down the tracks again

Answer 4

They pretty much are. Every remaining steam locomotive (with very few exceptions) is either on display somewhere, or in a museum.  Most of the museum ones are stored, but many have been "fixed up" and actually run.  

There's probably a fully operational steam locomotive within 50 miles of your house.   What's more, if YOU wanted to actually work on it and help keep it running, chances are they are a volunteer organization and not only would they love to have your help, but your efforts would be tax deductible.

Answer 5

There are Heritage Railroads in the US where restored steam locomotives operate and there are also some restored locos that occasionally go out on the main line.

However if the oil runs out there is a possibility that rail operators may return to steam, for at least some of their operations although electric trains working from 3rd rail or overhead power lines are also a possibility.