Sustainability of Heritage Railways: an Economic Approach John A

Feature Heritage Railways (part 3)

Sustainability of Heritage Railways: An Economic Approach John A. Tillman

private goods, but the views of a steam Philanthropy and non-profit Economic Framework train in the landscape are public goods. organizations Conservation can be undertaken through Heritage railways operate in a resource- philanthropy whereby concerned constrained environment and must make Provision of Public Goods individuals or private corporations donate choices about how to use their limited money, materials and time. The benefits resources to meet their objectives. In this Government intervention for the philanthropists must include a aspect they are no different than most The government can either undertake the private warm-glow benefit to themselves firms or households. However, heritage conservation itself or can encourage the as well as a benefit from seeing the public railways have other characteristics that private sector to do so. Examples of good produced, otherwise the free-rider need to be understood, including: public public-sector provision include the effect would result in minimal goods and externalities, philanthropy and National Railway Museum at York (NRM) philanthropy. Philanthropy is often provision of public goods, and non-profit in the UK, and Steamtown National channelled through non-profit organization. Historic Site and the Cass Scenic Railroad organizations, but where governance is in the USA. Public partnerships with the not a problem, friendly societies can raise Public goods for-profit or non-profit private sector funds for public museums, such as the Conservation of the railway heritage has include the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic NRM. Philanthropy and non-profits have aspects of both public and private goods. Railroad in the USA. Encouragement of been described as the other invisible Private goods are excludable and rival in the private sector can be through: hand, the first being the private market1. consumption, but public goods are both • Regulations to protect the existence, Non-profit organizations can be non-excludable and non-rival. For appearance, function and use of a categorized by who benefits, the type of example, a loaf of bread is private goods historic site (listing and control). This output, the revenue sources, and who because it is both rival and excludable. has only been applied to a few controls them. The benefits can either be In contrast, a lighthouse is public goods. heritage-railway buildings and not to for the members (e.g. trade associations, York Minster has a joint output of public historic rolling stock. An issue is who country clubs) or be collective public-type views of the exterior and private pays for the costs of regulations—the outputs that generate significant benefits excludable access to the interior. The property owner or the public. for non-members. Non-profits are multi- exterior is non-rival since one person’s • Direct incentives, such as grants product organizations potentially viewing of it does not affect another (discretionary or right), or indirect producing three types of goods: (i) person’s viewing except when the crowds incentives (reduced taxes or provision preferred collective that is difficult to sell become too large. It is non-excludable of loans). Incentives can provide in private markets; (ii) preferred private since persons who pass by cannot be leverage for public funding, that can be sold in private markets; and excluded from looking at it. compensate owners for the adverse (iii) non-preferred private that is produced Conservation has aspects of both public consequences of regulations, and in order to generate revenues for preferred and private good. The existence of the increase the level of preservation efforts. goods. Revenue sources can be donations heritage item, the option to visit and to They can be a decentralized approach and grants, and user fees and revenues, bequeath it to future generations are all to encouraging preservation, but thus distinguishing donative from aspects of public good. There may also discretionary grants raise questions commercial non-profits. Mutual non- be externality benefits from tourism concerning the decision-making profits are often controlled by their revenues in nearby locations. The private process about grant approval. members, while entrepreneurial non- goods are the visitors to the heritage • Information dissemination to create profits are often controlled by a self- railway who pay access fees. The public awareness and a consensus for perpetuating board of directors. goods and externality benefit cannot be preservation. The tools include: The growth of the non-profit sector is a captured by a for-profit conservation disclosure, publicity, identification response to the failure of the private activity who would therefore not be able and documentation; validation, market to produce sufficient collective to undertake as much conservation as recognition, promotion (coordination, goods and to the failure of government to society would be willing to pay for. education, persuasion and step in. Government failure can occur Main-line steam specials are joint public– exhortation), and preservation and because a representative government private goods. Travelling in the train is maintenance techniques. typically produces only enough of the

38 Japan Railway & Transport Review 32 • September 2002 Copyright © 2002 EJRCF. All rights reserved. public goods to meet the demand of the Organization of non-profits commitment and values of volunteer co- median consumer, but some consumers The non-profit sector includes large workers. When employees are also may want more of the goods. Donors may bureaucratic organizations with paid staff members, accountability can be difficult, be reluctant to contribute to for-profit firms and where the organization of and changes affecting their role may be undertaking charitable activities because volunteering is based on the volunteer difficult. As associations move towards donations might be diverted to the being an unpaid employee. The sector becoming a bureaucratic non-profit proprietor’s profits. Because non-profit also includes associations staffed and agency, the challenge is to adopt some organizations operate under a non- managed by volunteers and formed by systems used in larger agencies (defining distribution constraint and surpluses must members to facilitate their pursuit of roles and responsibilities of volunteers, be reinvested, kept as endowment, or specific objectives. Decisions in such etc.) while retaining the informal given for charitable purpose, donors may associations need to be based on characteristics of flexibility, and individual be more willing to donate to them. Non- consensus, informality and democracy, relationships2,3. profit organizations in the cultural sector and planning can be a threat to informal Voluntary organizations can stagnate and often rely heavily on donations from decision making. Association leaders die. The management group can become people who also buy tickets. The have to adopt a nurturing and enabling set in its ways and be reluctant to pass donations enable those who greatly value style to motivate and manage members the leadership to a new generation. the experience to contribute more than who do not expect to be subject to the Personal differences can lead to the loss those who do not. methods of hierarchical bureaucratic of people and fracturing of an Starting and operating a non-profit structures. Leaders can however become organization. Long-term viability depends organization requires motivated persons entrenched and the fear of offending a on the successful interplay between the who will risk their time and energy despite fellow member can make it difficult for recruitment and education of new not being permitted to earn a monetary others to control their activities. members who can bring in fresh ideas and profit in compensation. Their motivation Associations often experience a strong contributions, and the maturity and self- is likely to be closely linked to those who pull towards membership growth, restraint of the older ones, particularly donate money and provide volunteer formalization, and professionalism and those in management. support to the organization and they may towards becoming more like bureaucratic feel the unmet demand the most. services delivering non-profits. However, paid staff can share the motivations, Cost Disease

Productivity in the cultural sector lags behind that of the rest of the economy4. Productivity gains permit wages to rise without inflationary pressure, but much of the production of heritage services is labour intensive and requires the same labour input as it did originally. Modern methods can be introduced for maintenance and interpretation, but running a traditional railway requires the same operational staff as the original. To attract staff, the growth rate in real wages needs to be similar to that for the overall economy, requiring the real prices charged to visitors to rise with time. However, overall rising living standards tend to mitigate the effect of rising prices on demand.

Locomotive No. 4 standing at Towyn Wharf Station of Talyllyn Railway—the first heritage railway in UK (E. Aoki)

greater degree of authenticity over the years, various avenues of public-sector support emerged including various grants for development of tourism and depressed areas, manpower services support, derelict-land grants and, more recently, Millennium and Heritage Lottery funding. Heritage railways often start as totally donative and become commercial once they open for visitors. Tallylyn became part commercial at the start of the 1951 season, but others may take 5–10 years before visitor operations begin, offering only limited scope to earn early commercial revenues. As regards control, Saddle tank locomotive standing at Tan-y-Bwich Station of Festiniog Railway (E. Aoki) many are mutual (in practice the volunteers rather than the total members). Characteristics of Heritage railways tend to maximize the preferred Some are self-perpetuating trustees with Railways outputs rather than maximize profits, a formal relationship with a supporters which could fund the public goods. society or association. Heritage railways are an example of joint However, declining average costs offer Heritage railways have to a large extent public–private goods, of the private scope for increased net revenues as visitor been able to reconcile the needs of a philanthropic provision of public goods, numbers increase. volunteer-staffed-and-managed and of non-profit organizations which not The growth of heritage railways was a organization with the bureaucratic and only have a large volunteer input but are response to both market and government safety needs of an operating railway. In also volunteer managed. The heritage failure. When private and commercial part this is because volunteers expect the services recreate the atmosphere of a (nationalized) transport organizations operational requirements to be formal and traditional railway using the stock of were modernizing during 1950–70, they this does not prohibit the continuation of heritage assets. Their private benefits did not preserve enough obsolete informality and flexibility of individual accrue to members and visitors and their equipment and systems. Public sector relationships. Also heritage railways have public benefits are externalities such as preservation was inadequate for those many different activities and equipment option, existence and bequest benefits; interested in transport preservation and and infrastructure maintenance can be business development in the local town; many transport enthusiasts were willing done in a more informal environment than and reduction in traffic congestion for to take on the task of preservation train operations. The very strong sense of those heritage railways that can provide themselves. teamwork and camaraderie that pervades park and ride services. Sometimes this was done on an individual heritage-railway activities can offset The output consists of: basis, but usually groups were formed to problems. Furthermore, although tensions (a) Preferred public goods: Conservation undertake preservation. While these do occur in heritage railway (existence, option and bequest), re- groups were almost always de facto non- organizations, they are usually resolved creation of the atmosphere of a profit organizations, there were some before the viability of the concerned traditional railway associated individuals who saw the organization has been threatened. (b) Preferred private goods: Visitor travel, opportunity for private financial benefits photo charters, dinner specials, and a few heritage railways have been heritage weekends. able to operate on a commercial basis Leisure and Heritage Railways (c) Non-preferred private goods: Shops with no volunteer input. and restaurant, Thomas the Tank Initially, railway preservation was The growth of heritage railways over the Engine events, and Santa Specials, etc. regarded as a minority interest and past 50 years has surprised many. In the received little or no public-sector support. UK, there are now about 170 railways and As non-profit organizations, heritage However, as preservation achieved a steam centres, attracting between 5.3 to

40 Japan Railway & Transport Review 32 • September 2002 Copyright © 2002 EJRCF. All rights reserved. 7.8 million visitors a year and being developments in leisure and their impact productivity tripled from the 1950s but the supported by 1000 paid staff and 23,000 on visitors and volunteers. Leisure time has benefit has been in the form of pay rather volunteers. However, heritage railways increased during much of the 20th century; than more free time. Over the 20-year are a still a very small part of the nation’s hours of work have declined and working period ending in 1990, the average 1.2 billion tourist day trips or even the 0.4 life is starting later and finishing earlier American employee had 140 fewer hours billion visits to tourist attractions. The while life expectancy has increased. Until of leisure time10. In 1995, 33% of American increase in visitor numbers for heritage lately, people were retiring early and employees took 50% or less of their railways during 1989–99 was consistent remaining active and interested in a range vacation entitlement. with overall tourist attractions, but there of leisure possibilities. However, reductions Rising incomes have permitted is no room for complacency because the in working time have recently slowed or participation in more leisure pursuits but constant sample growth rate was just over reversed. Whereas the number of weekly this has put pressure on limited leisure time 1% per year (Table 1). hours worked in the UK by manual male and increases competition from home and The boom in visits to tourist attractions workers in manufacturing declined from 46 nearby attractions11. Leisure activities are slowed during the 1990s. The number of in 1951 to 42 in 1981, it rose to 44 in 19978. increasingly designed for time-squeezed visits grew by 14% during 1989–99 Also the incidence of paid holidays rose consumers where time may be more of a compared to 24% during 1979–89. from 38% in 1938 to 95% in 1979 and constraint than money. Leisure options Surveys5 conducted on the incidence of then fell to 90% in the early 1990s9. And now include new media, sport and fitness, people visiting various activities during the pressures are emerging to raise the eating and drinking out, travel and holidays, past 12 months indicated a steady decline retirement age. Globalization trends have shopping, etc. The family leisure market is of visits to museums and galleries during made labour markets more flexible and changing and the focus now is on providing the 1990s from 42% in 1991 to 28% in employment less secure. The end of a job ‘perfect moments’ for families. Theme late 1999. However, another survey6 for life requires the need to retrain and learn parks are popular among adults with found that people value the historic new skills, and more self-employed people children. Work pressure and job insecurity environment and felt that it is important are working even harder on their own are encouraging shorter, more frequent and in promoting regeneration in towns and account. Modern communications keeps more intensive breaks. The demands of cities. Thus, while museums, galleries and an increasing number of people in contact the retired, free to travel throughout the year historic properties were losing their appeal with the workplace outside office hours. but with a widening range of incomes, will as tourist attractions, the general public This process began in the USA where be different. The time-and-money rich may continues to value the historic environment and its conservation. Visitors to heritage railways are typically family Table 1 Visits to UK Tourist Attractions 1999 groups (65%) and couples (27%)7. Nearly Million visits UK Day visits, 19961) 6000 Round trips made for leisure purposes from half (48%) of visitors were looking for a home to UK location railway experience; 8% visited because Tourist day visits 1996 1200 Day visits not on regular basis and lasting 3 of a special event and 44% visited for non- hours or more 2) railway reasons. However, since that Tourist attractions (1999) 1989–99 % change Constant sample Total market time, special events on some railways are (one year to next) attracting an increasing share of total Museums and galleries 77.1 11 14 visitors. A 2000 survey of visitors to the Historic properties 67.3 6 8 Visitor centres 19.8 15 57 NMR found that 56% were interested in Gardens 16 22 23 railways and 44% wanted a day out or Workplaces 10 14 13 had a general interest in museums. About Wildlife sites 24.7 -6 3 50% of the adults were visiting with Country parks 70.8 20 21 children. Farm attractions 9.8 76 81 Steam railways 5.3 12 14 Heritage railways are part of the leisure Leisure parks 41.5 6 11 sector, both with regard to demand for Other 62 leisure activities and in the nature of their Total 404.4 11 14 philanthropic support. Thus, the prospects 1) Social Trends, 1998 for Day and Tourist day visits 2) The English Tourism Council (Sightseeing in the UK, 1999) for heritage railways will be affected by

take frequent high-style, high-fashion of respondents had volunteered during the interests, goals, constraints and preferences. holidays, but others will be concerned with past 12 months, that about 30% Organization needs to be efficient but affordability. volunteered at least once a month and that informal, providing an environment in Changing leisure trends have affected 20% volunteered on a weekly basis. which young people feel welcome and museums and other tourist attractions12. Volunteer hours have increased since 1991. valued. Volunteering should be enjoyable, After continued growth during the 1970s Also since 1991, the participation of retired satisfying and provide laughs, since and 1980s, visitor demand plateaued in people has increased while that of young competition for young people’s time is from the 1990s although the supply of people declined. The motives to volunteer activities that provide a good time socially. museums continued to grow, assisted in were found to be a mix of altruism and self- Many retired volunteers begin volunteering part by National Lottery funds. Museums interest, including enjoyment of the activity, after age 5016. The most common reasons now face strong competition from the satisfaction of seeing results, satisfying for volunteering are: to put skills and commercial leisure options including one- one’s own needs, meeting people, and a experience to good use, because the stop multipurpose leisure centres as well sense of personal achievement, learning organization had a good reputation and as Sunday opening and car boot sales. new skills and responding to community was short of volunteers, and because they Visitors have rising expectations of the needs. Older people stressed free time as were asked. Some organizations develop quality of services from leisure activities, a motivating factor, while younger successful recruitment strategies. Practices but many museums were slow to adjust to respondents emphasized learning new regarding older volunteers differ between the need for imaginative marketing and skills leading to a qualification. Being asked training, payment of expenses, supervision, often confused publicity and promotion to volunteer is critical. About 50% of social activities, and in the types of with designing museum presentations to volunteers received reimbursement of volunteer work. Practical support could meet the changing visitor needs. Two thirds expenses. also be significant and include payment of of museum visitors are general day-out There is significant potential for reversing expenses, insurance, help with transport, visitors and tourists with an annual market the decline in volunteering by young meetings organized at convenient times size of about 1.5 billion visits—museums people15. Attracting young volunteers and places. More than half (60%) of (and other heritage sites) need to focus on requires flexibility because the young have volunteers identified the social aspects as this market. Museums and other heritage many conflicting demands upon them and what they would miss most when they attractions as well as arts and other cultural find it hard to make the time and stopped volunteering. Many of these activities are recognized as an important commitment. There needs to be choice findings have been confirmed for part of urban regeneration strategies, and and spontaneity in volunteering. volunteering at museums and heritage museums need to exploit their strengths Legitimacy would be improved by creating attractions17. More than half of volunteers while meeting the public’s expectation of more positive images about volunteering. were over 60 years old. In a 2000 study18, leisure activities. Museums are often stand- Ease of access needs to be improved ‘the retired volunteers were looking for alone attractions that open for a small because most young people don’t know something to replace the aspects of their number of days each year with short hours how to find out about volunteering working lives that they had valued, while from 10:00 to 17:00, while other leisure opportunities, and information, trying something new and continuing to activities are open late into the evening. encouragement and easy access points are develop. … that they had simply changed needed. Young people want interesting career, but were no longer being paid. …. Philanthropy experiences that will contribute to their over a third had volunteered for more than Philanthropy consists largely of gifts of personal and career development by 6 years.’ About 50% of volunteers were money and time (volunteering). Between offering opportunities to learn new skills, repaid out-of-pocket expenses. 1974 and 1994, the proportion of take on challenges, explore different households making gifts of money declined careers, and obtain work experience. from 34% to 29% although the amount Incentives are important because of the Sustainability given in real terms increased13. competition for young people’s time and Participation rates have fallen among attention. Volunteering should generate a Visitors successive generations of households and reference or qualification, and payment of The sustainability of heritage railways was unchanged only for those above 63 expenses would be an incentive. Variety depends on many factors but two critical years of age. The 1997 National Survey of in types of work, issues and structures is ones are visitors and philanthropy, in UK Volunteering14 found that close to half needed to accommodate individual particular volunteers. Some tourist

42 Japan Railway & Transport Review 32 • September 2002 Copyright © 2002 EJRCF. All rights reserved. railways, such as the Paignton and Dartmouth, Brecon Mountain Railway and the Vale of Rheidol, can operate without volunteers and others that are currently dependent on volunteers might be able to adopt a similar approach if necessary. But without an adequate number of visitors, most heritage railways would be in difficulties. Although the rapid rise in visits to heritage attractions has plateaued, conservation of the historic environment remains important to many people. Leisure activities have come under increasing competition and expectations of what constitutes a perfect moment for a family continue to change. Locomotive No. 34092 standing at oxenhope Station of Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (E. Aoki) Rising incomes also enable some people to look for a more up-market product. which is used for a ‘Strawberries and The operations staff are the human face of Heritage railways as a group have Cream Train’ on some summer evenings. the railway and crews could interact with responded in recent years to these changing Vintage trains provide a means of reviving visitors when time permits. Travelling circumstances and have offered an derelict wooden coaches that might Ticket Inspectors also have the opportunity increasing variety of special events, ranging otherwise have little prospects of survival. to make people feel welcome on trains. A from Thomas the Tank Engine events and Photographic charters, corporate events visitor centre with a short but well-designed Santa Specials to heritage weekends. Multi- and films are other premium activities. presentation about what the visitor is going modal events can also prove popular, While considerable initiative has been to experience could be helpful before combining railway activities with bus/ taken in designing special event and up- travelling on the train. Interactive facilities canal/river transport and also vintage car market activities, there is also a need to for children are another useful facility as and traction engine events. An example of ensure that the regular facilities are evidenced by the NRM’s hands-on room. a well-established railway focusing on presented to the visitor in a way that meets Discussions of heritage railways often note special events is the Middleton Railway changing needs and expectations. In the that general tidiness of stations, trains, track, where normal operating days in 2000 1960s and 1970s, most visitors were restaurants and related services need to accounted for only 27% of passenger familiar with what they would experience meet contemporary standards so that an numbers and 15% of passenger revenues. on a heritage railway, but many today are otherwise quality family experience is not Some railways are close to other attractions entirely unfamiliar with rail travel itself! spoilt by unsatisfactory sanitary or other and can benefit from the larger number of Active interpretation of tourist attractions facilities. visitors in the vicinity. However, the is becoming increasingly common and In sum, the heritage-railway industry is circumstances of each railway are different visitors may expect this of heritage railways. taking a wide range of initiatives to meet and what may be needed for a small Many volunteers interviewed in a study of the changing leisure market and this bodes railway in an urban area may be different Yorkshire heritage railways described well for the continued ability to attract for a railway in a popular tourist area. below said that increased attention could visitors. As new initiatives prove successful, Another issue is that many leisure facilities be given to improving the interpretation of they can provide many opportunities for are increasingly staying open longer in the the railway to visitors. This could be done the rest of the industry to remain evening, and visitors may also expect this in various ways including display boards competitive with other leisure activities. of heritage railways. and leaflets handed out with tickets. It can The unique selling point remains the Up-market activities have carved out a also be done through what museum fascination of steam locomotives and other useful niche. Many railways have lunch railways in the USA called docents— vintage equipment such as and evening dining trains, and others such people who introduce the railway to trams, as well as a leisure-oriented journey as the Embsay Railway have introduced a visitors, guide them around and provide in equipment from times past. vintage train charging a premium fare, commentaries both at stations and on trains.

The need for more younger volunteers to replace aging volunteers was widely expressed; some ideas included making local schools aware of opportunities for work experience at heritage railways. However, to be effective, some specific proposals for 2- to 3-year work-experience activities for 16- to 18-year olds may needed. Obtaining formal engineering qualifications may not be a less essential selling point for most young people, than the opportunity to gain recognition for general work experience. Similarly, some way might be found to inform people Hurricane by Davey Paxman standing at Hythe Station of Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (E. Aoki) nearing retirement about opportunities to fill a gap in their lives. With sustained Philanthropy sector support originally supplemented focused effort, both younger (16–20) and Gifts of money and time have been critical volunteer efforts, but with more available retired (55+) persons could be recruited for heritage railways. While much depends grants there may be a danger of schemes in larger numbers. on new members and volunteers being promoted primarily because grants Although many 16- to 18-year old continuing to replace older members, the are available. volunteers drop out by their early twenties, existing but aging supporters have an A survey of volunteers at five Yorkshire they can make a net positive contribution opportunity to ensure that their creation is heritage railways conducted in early 2001 for 2 or 3 years. Moreover, some might sustainable by leaving a bequest to their is currently being analyzed. It confirms become involved again in their 30s and railway, which could be used to build up many of the earlier findings about why later. For example, if 5 young people an endowment fund. Such funds are people volunteer. The warm-glow completed the work-experience activities common in the museum and heritage benefits they perceive from volunteering each year, there would eventually be 150 world and can support the operational costs include undertaking activities they enjoy, ‘graduates’ in their 30s–50s. If active of the organization. Over perhaps 10 years, social aspects of meeting other volunteers encouragement resulted in 10% a heritage railway with a membership of and visitors, and, for retired persons, filling becoming involved again, there would be 1,500 people might be able to raise a the gap from not working. Some railways 15 experienced volunteers. substantial amount through bequests. If 5% have a retired person’s group and While the above measures may help, it may of the fund’s principal could be spent each schedule for midweek activities. Many prove difficult to adequately replace long- year, the amount needed to cover the costs young volunteers indicated that they term volunteers with developed core skills of a full-time paid staff member with a total benefit from their experience in jobs and and experience but who are now in their salary and overhead cost of £30,000 would careers, not only from the skills and 50s–70s. Often, this group was inspired be £600,000. Individual heritage railways references obtained but from the self by the traditional railway of their youth, but might wish to explore ways to tactfully confidence developed from meeting today’s modernized railway may not encourage bequests. people, working in a team and from the similarly inspire the next generation. It Share issues have been a popular way for sense of accomplishment. might be prudent for heritage railways to well-established heritage railways with The interviews generated many comments consider how to deal with a shortage of substantial membership and volunteer about how volunteers could be long-term volunteers aged 30–late 50s. support to obtain de facto donations, but encouraged. A friendly welcoming Larger railways may be able to afford to there may be a developing trend towards environment to help prospective and new employ full-time staff to handle the shortfall issuing bonds to finance new heritage volunteers feel at home as well as help to but medium and smaller railways may need railways. However, if some of the latter develop the skills they need are important. to consider how they could adjust their schemes run into difficulties, it might A sense of fun is considered vital. A activities. Modern labour-saving adversely affect the ability of established proactive volunteer coordinator and non- technologies for behind-the-scenes railways to issue shares. Similarly, public- intrusive guidance could be helpful. activities, such as equipment overhaul and

44 Japan Railway & Transport Review 32 • September 2002 Copyright © 2002 EJRCF. All rights reserved. track replacement are being introduced on some of the larger heritage railways that However, there are many initiatives in the some railways. However, streamlining train employ many staff may be willing to share public sector concerning heritage, tourism operations through modern methods may some of their work on new initiatives with and leisure that are relevant to heritage be more controversial, although some the rest of the industry at least in a generic railways and perhaps some volunteers railways have made useful steps in this area. way. Also the NRM, which already works would come forward to be involved in the In many countries, community closely with heritage railways, can relevant committees, etc. involvement is regarded as an essential undertake or commission work in these In summary, there is room for cautious ingredient of many successful non-profit areas on behalf of the industry. optimism but not for complacency! I activities. People in the community who The volunteer constraint also applies to the This article was first presented at the international feel an activity is a valuable local asset can industry’s trade association. The Heritage conference ‘Slow Train Coming: Heritage Railways in become important stakeholders. For some Railway Association is completely the 21st Century,’ held in York in September 2001. heritage railways, this is already the case volunteer run and does not have the budget The author passed away soon after the conference. This article was reproduced by courtesy of his widow, Mrs with many members and volunteers living to fund industry-wide studies, etc. Suan Tillman. locally and a visit to the railway is often a well-established annual activity for local Notes 9. J. Gershuny and K. Fisher, Leisure, in Halsey, schools. However, while most heritage 1. G. Mulgan and C. Landry, The Other Invisible H and J Webb (ed.), Twentieth-Century British railways have close contacts with the local Hand: Remaking Charity for the 21st Century, Social Trends, Macmillan, Britain, 2000. 10. J. Schor, The Overworked American, The council, an ongoing active relationship Demos, London, 1995. 2. M. Harris, Doing it their way: Organizational Unexpected Decline of Leisure, Basic Books with the wide range of community Challenges for Voluntary Associations, (1993 Paper back edition), New York, 1991. organizations in the area may also be useful Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Vol. 11. C. Clark and P. Edwards, The Changing Face in creating stakeholder ownership. Of 27 (2) June 144–158, 1998. of Leisure Time—The Impact on Tourism, Paper presented at seminar organized by the WTO at course, this comes with the ‘price’ that the 3. C. Rochester, One size does not fit all: four models of involving volunteers in small November 1998 World Travel Market in local community is not just told of plans voluntary organizations, Voluntary Action, Vol. London, 1998. and programmes but is involved in 1 (2) 7–20, 1999. 12. V. Middleton, New Visions for Museums in the 21st Century, Association of Independent preparation and implementation! 4. W. Baumol and W. Bowen, Performing Arts— The Economic Dilemma, The Twentieth Museums, London, 1998. Century Fund, New York, 1966. 13. J. Banks and S. Tanner, The State of Donations: 5. Market and Opinion Research International Household Gifts to Charity, 1974–96, Conclusion (MORI), Visitors to Museums and Galleries in Commentary 62, The Institute for Fiscal Studies, the UK, Research study conducted for London, 1997. Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives 14. J. Smith, The 1997 National Survey of With a strong volunteer base, heritage and Galleries, London, 2001. Volunteering, Institute for Volunteering railways are not dependent on 6. MORI, Attitudes Towards Heritage, Research Research, London, 1998. 15. K. Gaskin, What young people want from shareholders looking for a continued good study conducted for English Heritage, http:// www.english-heritage.org.uk/discovery/ volunteering, Institute for Volunteering return on capital. However, dependence heritage-review/mori/start.asp, 2000, Office for Research, London, 1998. on volunteers can constrain new National Statistics, Social Trends, London, 16. J. Forster, Potential of a Lifetime, The Carnegie initiatives. Volunteers do the things that 1998. United Kingdom Trust, Dunfermline, 1997. 7. Association of Railway Preservation Societies 17. K. Holmes, Changing times: volunteering in interest them and cannot be easily moved (ARPS) and Association of Independent the heritage sector 1984–1998, Voluntary to undertake other tasks. Developing new Railways (AIR), Statistical Survey Report, 1995. Action, Vol. 1 (2) 21–35, 1999. initiatives to attract visitors or young 8. D. Gallie, The Labour Force, in H. Halsey and 18. K. Holmes, Motivation and reward of retired people looking for work experience J. Webb (ed.), Twentieth-Century British Social volunteers: a study of three Yorkshire heritage Trends, Macmillan, Britain, 2000. attractions, Unpublished paper. requires volunteers with interest and capability in these areas. My Yorkshire study suggests that there are volunteers John A. Tillman who are interested in these areas and they need to be encouraged to participate. Late Mr Tillman was born in 1943 in the UK. He was an economist who worked at the World Bank for Perhaps this is part of the overall aspect over 20 years on transport issues in developing countries. After early retirement, he pursued his lifelong love for railways, in particular steam locomotives. He applied his economic background to the of the recruitment and education of new study of heritage railways in the UK, and organized efforts to preserve heritage railways in developing members who can bring in fresh ideas and countries. He was working on saving steam locomotives in the sugar mills of central Java before contributions, and the passing of the becoming terminally ill in January 2002. leadership to a new generation. Also,