I can only relate my personal experience. I have not had a similar opportunity with other steam crews. Recently (fall of 2005)I had the pleasure of riding an excursion from Nampa, Idaho to Shoshone, Idaho behind the UP 3985. During the trip I had the opportunity of talking to Steve Lee and found him to be very freindly and informative. My experience with other crew members(Reed, Mary & others) was excellent. During the stop in Shoshone, the crew became VERY busy servicing the locomotive and taking on fuel. We need to remember that a very small crew has to maintain 3(844,3985,6936) very large & beautiful machines. During a service stop, the locomotive becomes their number one concern. Remember, they are working, we are relaxing and enjoying the ride. Later that year, I had the chance to visit the UP Steam Shop in Cheyenne on a Saturday. It was one of the best times ever. Lynn and Mary Nystrom were the host and hostess and they could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Any and every question was answered and we could look at the equipment as long as we wanted. The 844 was there (looking beautiful)and the crew was just starting to tear down the 3985 to rebuild the running gear and other items.
My thanks to the Steam Crew for their hard work and to UP management for supporting them.
I cannot comment on the management styles as I am not involved in that way.
Mike Anderson