http://www.pro-tect.net/faq.htm

Does anyone out there in RyPN-land have any experience with this stuff, for cocooning rolling stock and large components like diesel engines? Our tarp situation is increasingly frustrating; new "heavy-duty" (not the cheap blue ones) tarps don't even last a season, even when carefully applied with lots of tie-downs and edge softeners.

This white shrink wrap stuff has plenty of industrial use. Has anyone wrapped rail equipment with it? They have pop-in vents available so that moisture and condensation will not build up under the film.

Howard P.
TSY

Dear Howard:
We shinkwrap our riverboat "Becky Thatcher" every winter with great sucess. Also, we have shrinkwrapped steam locomotives for as long as two years without problems.
We cover all sharp corners, etc. with burlap sacks and frame out with lumber so the snow will slide off and not get trapped and "pool" when spring comes.
My recollection is that the wrap comes in different grades for shorter or longer time periods (we always buy the cheap stuff and it has always lasted).
We have never had a problem with moisture being trapped, but that said, we always frame things out which leaves an air space for circulation. I believe that it is a cost effective method for short or medium term protection.
Good luck!
J.David