I was at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont today, and stopped in to see the CV 4-6-0 on display there. What a beautiful locomotive.
I was standing very, very close to the running gear and I noticed something quite interesting.
Tiny embossed labels, made with a "Dymo" label maker, applied to each rod, arm and link. At some
point the labels were carefully painted over so they were almost invisible.
I've seen many display locos, but I've never seen this, and I think it's a great idea. For anyone who wants to know how a steam locomotive works, having the parts identified is a big plus. The labels on the 220 are really tiny, and painted the same color as the part they've been stuck to. They're nearly impossible to see unless you're like me and get right in there to study the thing.
Has anyone seen labels like this elsewhere? Are these nearly "microsopic" labels for the benefit of future preservationists, or just a simple teaching tool?

She looks great, like shes ready to leave the station and head down the hill to freedom!



sjhussar@aol.com

The labels were applied by this editor, then a CVR employee, and instigator of "Project 220". They were just to help answer questions of visitors.

We tried three times to obtain ISTEA funds for the engine's restoration to operation, but were unsuccessful. We did accomplish basic stabilization, removing corrosion where it shouldn't be and putting grease where it should, plus a thorough removal of ash in the firebox and smokebox, and rust in the tender tank. The air brake portions and major appliances were removed and restored to operating condition.

The CV General Manager at the time was highly supportive, having been heavily involved in the C&NW's 1385 operations previously. Alas, the RR was sold to that awful bunch from Texas in 1995 and most of the former CV employees were eventually fired, myself for union organizing activities in 1998. They have since run a good little railroad into the ground.

My three former colleagues have continued the work each summer. It is a slow process, but the locomotive is protected under the attractive shelter and under 24-hour security, so is not endangered. The present plan is to complete a thorough cosmetic restoration, with access to the cab for museum visitors. Alas, I now live in NY State, where there are no similar projects nearby. I miss it!

> I was at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont
> today, and stopped in to see the CV 4-6-0 on
> display there. What a beautiful locomotive.
> I was standing very, very close to the
> running gear and I noticed something quite
> interesting.
> Tiny embossed labels, made with a
> "Dymo" label maker, applied to
> each rod, arm and link. At some
> point the labels were carefully painted over
> so they were almost invisible.
> I've seen many display locos, but I've never
> seen this, and I think it's a great idea.
> For anyone who wants to know how a steam
> locomotive works, having the parts
> identified is a big plus. The labels on the
> 220 are really tiny, and painted the same
> color as the part they've been stuck to.
> They're nearly impossible to see unless
> you're like me and get right in there to
> study the thing.
> Has anyone seen labels like this elsewhere?
> Are these nearly "microsopic"
> labels for the benefit of future
> preservationists, or just a simple teaching
> tool?

> She looks great, like shes ready to leave
> the station and head down the hill to
> freedom!


bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Thanks, Bob. I think the labels are an excellent idea, they
make it easier to understand the connection (no pun intended) of the various parts of the running gear.

That whole station area is beautiful, too bad the
money hasn't materialized to return the 220 to
steam.


sjhussar@aol.com