765nkp -

Thanks for the update. Hope the owner has a future plan for the engine. Small size seems to indicate a fairly easy move (if such a thing as "easy" is even in the rail preservation vocabulary).

Les

YES, about that "green stuff" on the drivers of this "rust bucket"....

It is indeed moss, or lichen, or mold, some sort of biohazard that does not belong on a metal object such as a steam locomotive. It indicates chronic moisture, which can lead to chronic flake rust erosions.

In addition to these forms of decay, I also had weeds growing in the tray above the firedoor on my little Porter #6 when I adopted her. Removing all these types of rot will do wonders for the life expectancy of such an orphan, and does not require any particular skill. I'm fortunate enough to live in a pretty dry climate, which is a big help, but the winds make covering my engine with a tarp pretty much impractical.

Even a crummy coat of cheap oil based paint will shed water. All it takes is somebody willing to do a bit of work.