It’s been my observation over the past few years, certainly before Covid, that heritage railways are heading in 2 distinct directions, either:
A. Acting as a ‘living museum’ in the same style as Beamish where the atmosphere of the past is faithfully recreated at stations (authentic signs/posters, gas lighting, coal fires etc), staff uniforms, working practices etc and serves a an educational experience of how railways operated in the past.
Or B, a pleasure ride maybe using heritage equipment but more embracing of modernity, building modern station buildings, signage, facilities, LED lights, modern working methods and modern ticketing (wristbands etc) where the main focus is for passengers to have a nice train trip, maybe with other ‘experiences’ thrown in, afternoon teas etc.
Whichever will be the most successful approach time will tell, there is probably room for both, but I doubt those that have moved towards more modern methods of working will return to how they were previously any time soon.