In addition to our Lawndale boxcar project, our local NRHS museum may soon be offered the opportunity of a gift from a local shortline. The diesel in itself is not particularly historic or rare, other than the fact it is from "our" railroad, but it is operable, with friction bearings, and in great shape.

That being said, it would likely spend most of its time in our planned car barn and on display. If we crank it up to move it, such moves would likely be rare, but we of course would want to have that option.

Apart from security, what general sort of activities should we do to ensure proper storage and care for the unit?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

The most difficult thing will be battery maintenance. If you just let them sit, they will slowly discharge, even if you have them disconnected. And if you let them deep discharge to much, you may not get them back.

The other argument will be keeping the jacket water full or emptied and dry. part of the argument will be determined by your local weather conditions. Personally, I like to keep them wet. But that really requires you to run the engine periodically. Which I think is the bottom line. If you want a running engine, you have to run it regurlarly.

Greg

Matt:
A little off topic, but I thought you folks may be moving the Tweetsy boxcar out of NJ also. Just wondering if I missed something.

As to long term storage of a diesel, my experience with storing such items is that its best to start them up on some regular basis. Keeping it in operational condition maintains the value of the locomotive as well.

J.R. May
Wall, NJ

JR-

Yes, we will be getting the ET&WNC car. Thanks so much for putting us in touch with the powers-that-be.

The timetable for the move has been impacted by the discovery of some minor asbestos material stored inside the car, but we do hope to come up and get it within a matter of weeks!

She's gonna look good next to the Lawndale car!

Thanks again,

Matt

Matt:
If you need a hand with names of asbestos people or cranes let me know. Do you have trucks for the car or using something you have? If in the area and have some extra time feel free to come down to south Jersey and run my 1930 Porter fireless. Not a long track but still fun. My email is jrmay@monmouth.com

J.R.

Matt, One of the simplest, yet most important things is to keep the stack capped. We use a small trickle charger (see your local auto parts store) to keep the batteries up. Draining the cooling system thoroughly is important during the winter months. If you can keep the fuel tank relatively full it will lessen condensation. Other than that, the best thing to do is to start it regularly, and if you have the track space, run it back and forth. That will go a long way towards minimizing oxidation in the electrical system and keeping things lubricated. We normally try to crank up our locomotives every two or three months regardless of whether or not we have visitors.