An earlier thread on builders' plates talked a bit about artifacts removed from steam locomotives. There have been "fans" almost as long as there have been railroads, and I would imagine that locomotive parts have always been of interest. But in the mid-20th century there was a sudden deluge of such items, as nearly all the steam locomotives in North America were scrapped between 1945 and 1960. The average adult collector during those years would now be aging. Can we expect to see more of these items emerging from basements and garages as their widows and heirs clean house?

Born in 1951, I have no clear recollection of active steam. My memory of steam begins with dead engines rusting in rows >sigh<

tr2manz@frontiernet.net

> Born in 1951, I have no clear recollection
> of active steam. My memory of steam begins
> with dead engines rusting in rows
> >sigh<

You think you've got it bad? My first memories of steam were at Strasburg (7002!!) and 2102 at Hamburg PA on the Blue Mtn. & Rdg.

mrwowak@yahoo.com

Tom, I started collecting locomotive plates in 1963 when I was 14. I was born in 1949 and only remember well the PRR K-4s in Bay Head. I started to collect for a link back to a period that I missed. I have noticed more things coming out over the past few years that we never thought had been saved. I believe that there are pockets of items stored away all over the country. Who would have expected an 1882 Hinckley plate to turn up in 2001!! This has been what has kept up my interest in collecting. My steam experience was enriched by working as a volunteer with the High Iron Co. with NKP 759 and RDG 2102. This has now been renewed by working as a volunteer on the Ohio Central with the 1293 and 6325. Who says you can't go home again!!! It was a 30 year spread, but who is counting!!!



steamfan@crusoe.net

Just thought I'd mention for the lawyers in the group. We were "buying" stuff in the 50's from several of the larger scrap yards in Cleveland and Youngstown. In one yard we were able to remove just about anything we could get loose GRATIS. I was removing stuff from a string of RPO's and they were setting fire to the other end. In several other cases parts were removed, cash paid and the foreman had his beer money. This was a whole different world (a lot more fun) and you will find it impossible to prove any kind of ownership past possesion.

lamontdc@adelphia.net