[62440]

It's all about "Bums on seats" and if people are going to make return visits then the "Product" has got to be displayed in an as attractive as possible condition. To turn out locos (and stock) in as filthy a condition as I recall from the late 1950's-early 1960's is just going to send Joe Public home with a poor impression and an unwillingness to return, ever. Preserved lines are part of the Tourist industry nowadays, actual transportation comes a long way down the list.

In respect of the Severn Valley Railway, they do have means to turn locos round, there is a turntable at Kidderminster. There was once a plan to install one at Bridgnorth but this was stymied by lack of a place to put it.

Regards, 62440.