steam engine vs fuel engine

[Femboi UwU]

are there any benefits/disadvantages between them in general? or is it just one of those things where its like "eh they so similar just pick which ever you prefer"

[HuskyDynamics]

Steam locomotives are cheaper to run (unless you blow them up), while also requiring much more work and concentration to operate. Diesels require a lot less work, but are more expensive in terms of operating costs.

[schutt]

Steam engine is complicated,thrilling,dangerous,thirsty. Diesel is much easier to use, less workload, saver and easier maintainance. Where the DM3 is also pretty complicated and makes you pay for your mistakes, so its like something in between.
So it pretty much depends on your preferences what you like more.
Oh and yes, steam is cheaper to run if you manage to do it right, but the diffrence is pretty small.

[Pentium100[LT+EN]]

Yeah, for some reason, contrary to real life, the steam engine is cheaper to run. You have to be both the driver and the fireman though.

IMO it is mostly preference. For example, I like steam engines so I have been using them when I could afford the needed licenses. Even though the S282 is annoying because of no cab lights, random disappearing lanterns and really bad visibility. The S060 is better in those areas, but cannot pull as much.