Not to hijack this thread too much, but I would also say that the track is in better shape than it has been prior. For one, there are currently no speed restrictions due to bad track. I remember being part of the conversation where we discussed the importance of lifting the several restrictions then in place, on account of the dampening effect such restrictions have on the visitor experience. Similarly, there was also a time (a long time?) when folks were frustrated that #11 was not getting the attention it deserved, given the importance the museum claimed it held. Now it is getting that attention.
That said, I am intimidated to a certain degree by the number of projects. I would like to see a period of "consolidation and refinement" sooner than later, and I think it is on the horizon.
I think the idea that people need "new and exciting" in order to show up is not correct. It's easy to see how one might come to that conclusion. The WW&F is a museum that started from essentially nothing. There have always been new projects, new development, that is what we are used to. But consider the EBT, which is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. There is not a single "new" thing. Everything that exists, has existed for a century or more. Some might even say that to build something new at the EBT would be a heresy. And yet, the FEBT can turn out volunteers for track work, building rehab, rolling stock refurb, mechanical, &c. just the same.
