RE: the recent discussion on drying out boilers on active locomotives... Any similar suggestions for internal preservation of boilers on steam locomotives that will be cosmetically restored only? Is it better to leave them alone, wash out scale and dry them out or what? Washout plugs left open or screwed down tight? Remove and grease the throttle valve? Other suggestions?

3985 on ABC website
bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Leave the throttle open so it doesn't rust shut and require some considerable seat enhancement down the line. Put it under a roof. Keep moving parts lubricated to prevent crawling rust. Electrify to prevent vandalism.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Yes, the number 1 thing to do, before anything else, is to march right down to City Hall, get a building permit and then go straight to the lumber yard and buy all the materials that you need to erect a pole building, and then to the rental place and rent a post hole digger. Take the next two days off ang GET IT BUILT!!!

Do not pass go, do not collect $200! Do it TODAY! The weather service is forcasting rain on your engine NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You haven't gotten up from your computer yet!! Get moving!!!

rickrailrd@aol.com

The former owner of Wilmington and Western RR's 1907 Baldwin 0-6-0 #58 had her in storage for many years both indoors and outdoors. When we surveyed #58 to decide if she was going to run we found that he took great care of her all of those years and that made for a speedy and lower cost restoration. From what I can see and from talking with the former owner here is some of what he did.

First the boiler was drained and kept dry. Second the fire side was cleaned to remove all soot and ash. I mean all, nada, none, not a speck, this made for very little corrosion in the boiler.

Next the exhaust nozzle and stact were capped so as to be watertight. Don't just cover the stack, use heaping amounts of duct tape and heavy plastic to seal the exhaust nozzle.

The cylinders were cleaned and flushed out with some kind of cleaner and then large amounts of oil were applied on a regular schedule. All bearings were kept greased and oiled.

The locomotive's exterior was kept painted and sealed from the weather. The cab was boarded up and locked and all the stuff sticky finger collectors would take was removed and stored away in a safe place.

The locomotive saw little service after her last overhaul and the ultrasound reading we took showed that there was little or no wastage of the boiler. The the care not been take to clean her out so well this would not have been the case.

My hat goes off to the former owner for the care he had gove this gem of an engine for 25 years or so. To own such a great machine and not have it running for so long and still go through all of the trouble that he did shows a great dedication.

Steam Railroading Message Board

On the subject of static displays, IÂ’d greatly appreciate any advice on a problem IÂ’m sure many have encountered - BIRDS! Boy - can they make a mess of things. We have a 1903 UP Baldwin Consolidation on display at our local historical museum and this is a constant problem. Any ideas on what really works - if anything - to keep them off? Thanks in advance!

ri51425@alltel.net

> On the subject of static displays, IÂ’d
> greatly appreciate any advice on a problem
> IÂ’m sure many have encountered - BIRDS! Boy
> - can they make a mess of things. We have a
> 1903 UP Baldwin Consolidation on display at
> our local historical museum and this is a
> constant problem. Any ideas on what really
> works - if anything - to keep them off?
> Thanks in advance!

Cats. Or maybe a falcon. Other than that, have you tried dressing in funny clothes and waving your arms a lot?


Kevinmccabe@avenew.com

> Cats. Or maybe a falcon. Other than that,
> have you tried dressing in funny clothes and
> waving your arms a lot?

If you use cats make sure they're fixed.

Railway Preservation News
hkading@rypn.org

Plastic garden owls will work, as will plastic snakes, put them in the rafters, or up on the roof. Move them around every few days, the birds are smart enough, eventually they'll figure out the snakes and owls are fake. (Of course, if you can get a REAL owl inna cage, then you have another whole exhibit ;) )

Another thing that works well, at least in orchards, but isn't "pretty" is a hanging contraption made from an aluminum pie tin and some bent wire. When the wind blows the tin moves, so it will occasionally flash in the sun, and brush against the wire making a metallic scraping sound..... small bonus, they're cheap and easy to make (unless you have to do it to government spec, then they'd probably cost a couple hundred each!)

Too bad birdshot and/or poison aren't politically correct

> If you use cats make sure they're fixed.

Let's just rename this the Railway and Animal Preservation News.

The funniest thing in this department is the railway museum in West Virginia with ostriches all over the place. And you really have to watch your step!

Kevin, did you see the article in the Chicago Tribune a couple of days ago about llamas? There's an asphalt storage facility in Chicago that was having problems with vandalism and theft (people stealing asphalt??? beats me). They brought in some llamas to mow the weeds, and they seem to scare away the burglars and vandals. Might be worth trying.

Something that was done where I work, was to buy an electronic bird repeller. It emits bird calls from different predatory birds. They also placed a plastic owl on the roof. We were having problems with birds and our picnic tables. They make one for enclosed areas, too. They can be annoying, but they have worked so far.

Stuart

gnufe@apex.net

ARM has a publication called "Displayed Steam Locomotives Their Care and Maintenance" written by David Conrad back in the 70's. It should still be available through ARM. Check their website for their publications listing. If out of print, let me know. The book states on the title page"No rights reserved, reproduce at will" and I will gladly work with you to get you a copy of mine.

shaymech@hotmail.com

Here's a website for the units.

www.bird-x.com


Bird-x
gnufe@apex.net