I am not sure what the solution exactly was, but it sounds like it is no big deal to convert historical equipment to accessible standards without comprimising the historic standards.

That is, IF you happen to be one of the few who is lucky enough to have a functional combine on your line. I'm not sure if the "politically correct" police would cotton to the "differently abled" being "shoved off into baggage"..................

The North Carolina Transportation Museum not only has a functional combine, it is ADA-accessible and, rather than making people feel shoved off in a corner, provides great accomodations for those needing wheelchair access. Talk about an extreme makeover (but keeping the basic historic fabric intact)-it has new steel siding, a new floor, new linoleum flooring, new windows, new seat fabric, and the wheelchair hoist is kept in the baggage section, while the passengers ride in the combine section. The volunteers and staff there who rebuilt this car are justly proud of this accomplishment.