There is no "ideal" museum - it is impossible. Do we go with carefully and historically accurate restorations that are "stuffed and mounted"? Or equipment that can be actually operated on a demonstration railroad.

Most people will not go to a railroad museum (or most any museum) unless it has some kind of entertainment factor - i.e. it has to be fun and interesting. While vista flats and cabooses may not be "historic" oeprationally, they allow visitors to experience what riding in a caboose is, or to enjoy (hopefully good) weather while obeserving the sights and sounds of the locomotive and train.

Thomas has actually provided some huge benefits to the organizations that have been able to successfully host it. In OERM's case, there have been numerous discussions whether the extensive effort and resoures devoted to the Thomas events are worth it. For their efforts hosting Thomas, OERM has received a substantial and impressive profit that fund infastructure improvements, restorations, etc. The huge influx of visitors has resulted in an expanded membership, donations and volunteers. And there is now a new generation of kids exposed to railroading that will be tomorrows' visitors, donors and volunteers.


OERM is not perfect, but they have made some impressive gains and have my respect for that.