BOB2, you speak of " brick & mortor " museums and their budgets. What about the costs for a steam excursion ??? Or just simply trying to keep a large steam locomotive in serviceable condition, especially one stored outdoors ??? No less an authority than Doyle McCormick & his 4449 Daylight group, have had to curtain their excursions due to increased costs, specifically INSURANCE.
I agree to a certain extent that too many museums can dilute the thrill; perhaps a sensible downsizing is in order. Of course this would require sometimes disparite groups to get along. No easy fix to this is there...