GlitterUnicorn
Member
The key difference here is between "attracts visitors/generates publicity" and "makes a profit". An activity is loss-making if the costs exceed the income it generates.Also such freight running attracts more visitors and generates more publicity, often there are associated photographic charters which help to pay those bills.
Interesting that you mention education and museums. I don't quite understand the educational benefit of running half a dozen old wagons up and down the line. Railway museums though are actually quite popular. The NRM is one of the UK's most visited museums. Train World in Belgium is also very popular, especially with people who would never actually go to a preserved railway. You can see hands on a wide variety of trains and understand the history behind them.
Most preserved railways hoard what would be amazing exhibits, often hidden away in sheds or rusting away in sidings. While presenting to the world maybe 1-2 locomotives at a time, along with a selection of dilapidated and uninteresting carriages. Also charging far more than a museum for the 'privilege'. Actual historical value varies, most lack interpretation boards, information on stock/carriages or anything like that. Lots of kitsch 30s-50s railway themes but not much history.
It's great to see trains running, but maybe it's time to stop kidding yourselves that most preserved railways are run like museums, rather than run as a full sized trainset for volunteers - members of the public a distinct afterthought.