The first type of tourist railroad hauls people who come for the experience of railroading.  Generally short lines or abandoned lines that were rescued from the scrapper's torch, they've been restored by the hands of well-intended owners or volunteers.  The passenger revenue serves to stave off bankers or the civic minded fools who think railbeds are better used for bike paths.  Riding these railroads is a meditative experience, the movement of the train, the change of scenery, the lack of speed or need to get anywhere fast. 

The second type of railroad is provided for entertainment.  Generally, these lines circle the amusement park twice, past the dinosaur exhibit and the Grand Canyon with its stuffed mechanical deer.  These are the trains that get robbed by friendly bandits who pose for pictures with overweight tourists before the train leaves to deposit its cargo in front of the next attraction.

While both railroads have their place, nothing is worse than traveling on the first type of railroad while surrounded by people who think they are on the second.  It is a little like being seated in church with a group of people who think they are attending a comedy club.  It's going to turn out badly.

The Roaring Camp Railroads are tourist operations through and through.  While the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific may haul an occasional load of lumber for a local mill, passengers are the primary source of income for this line.