Egads, you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Yes, it's a lot of money, folks throw money at many different projects. Does it take money away from other preservation projects? Not Likely, folks give to what they like; for example in a church, some folks will give to build a pipe organ, others don't care at all, but will give to put up a bell tower--but will anyone give to pay the Electric bill?? :)
It IS preservation of technology and will add to steam operation knowledge--Tornado has already done so. I say, "Good Luck, hope they succeed" as their success will lead to other projects' success--it's already happening in England with more new engines being built (which adds to available reliable engines and probably saves a few more for posterity.