That is certainly true, but being a corporate operation comes with a whole 'nother set of challenges. Manpower is kept at minimal and even sub-minimal levels, just as in the rest of the company. The 1992 UP trips referred to were accomplished with a total crew of 6; that's operating, maintenance, repair and shop. Volunteer organizations usually have 15 or 20 on any given trip.

Too, budgets have to be adhered to, even when they are not enough to do what needs to be done. Example: CP parked it's steam locomotive this year (and maybe next year, too) due to financial constraints (read: budget cuts.).

The volunteer-based organizations certainly have plenty to be proud of; some of their achievements are simply incredible. But by no means do corporate steam operations have it made. If that was the case NS (and CP) would still be running steam.