Juppo Wrote:
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Can
> anybody give a legitimate Reason why diesels
> continue to ruin steam excursions either
> aesthetically or mechanically.

If you feel that diesels "ruin" steam excursions aesthetically, that's your choice feel that way. I've traveled all over the US to ride on mainline steam excursions and over the past 10 years or so, nearly all had diesels. Yes, the diesels may not look great, but in most cases, the passenger cars were not what the locomotives would have pulled when they were in regular service, either. I was happy to have the opportunities to ride on these trips and never felt my enjoyment of the trips was diminished by the presence of diesels.

If you want more authentic experiences, go to Cass, Cumbres & Toltec, Durango & Silverton, East Broad Top, Golden Spike National Park and/or Nevada Northern all of which provide opportunities to enjoy steam without diesels.