ADM IV. that was very well said and very true in my eyes. You just described most of the people I admire as individuals. And most often true of organizations doing slightly better in the long run! Think "madness" is a prerequisite in RR preservation.

Cheers, John.

A couple of thoughts to bounce around:
-Despite our American understanding of private possession, when you're speaking of historic artifacts that have significance to a wide number of interpreter, ownership is perhaps second to "temporary custody", until another custodian is called into the picture. I think that might have figured into both 5629 and 5632.
-A little "madness" is a good thing. I think of it as a precursor to "vision". That being said, it easily wears out without moderation.

No doubt we will be facing more of these issues in the future, particularly with museums coming face to face with problematic solutions to cars and locomotives which have sat out back, without cover or paint, for so many years.