This would not be the first time someone on here suggested cross-sectioning a steam locomotive as an educational museum display. I was pretty thoroughly eviscerated here over 10 years ago now, after I got back from Europe, having seen the cross-sectioned and animated cog loco at the Lucerne Swiss Railway Museum, and respectfully suggested that perhaps one of the TWELVE existing C&O Kanawah 2-8-4s, the one at IRM, that had sat for 20 years outdoors in Cleveland being vandalized and weathered, be considered a candidate for a cross-section display of a modern, mainline steam locomotive. The incoming fire was withering, and I gave up on the idea.

So, in the succeeding 10 plus years, has anything happened towards properly restoring and displaying C&O 2705? It's not like it was the first, or the last (both still existing), or one of the two preserved LIma versions. There is nothing really notable about it's history. It just happened to still exist when C&O decided to donate remaining steam locomotives to various communities when they were disposing of them. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad that they were in a position, unlike some cash-strapped lines - like the Erie, that sold everything for scrap, so we have nothing from them today - have preserved several good examples of steam from the C&O (with some major gaps, like all of preservation does). I just think it's a knee-jerk reaction to decry any suggestion to do anything with any steam locomotive other than try and restore it to pristine, operating condition. I understand that attitude with one-of-a-kinds, but there are TWELVE of these in existence, mostly as not very well-kept park engines. There were originally 13, but years ago Buffalo scrapped theirs as a deteriorating eyesore, and who knows what fate ultimately awaits the others as the public's tastes change, and there is not a local base of preservationists willing to do the work and spend the money to keep them up.

I don’t think people unfamiliar with locomotives are going to receive an education from a cut-open engine on display. What they will perceive is an entertainment experience of abstract, artistic production of mechanical art. They might as well be looking at the works of a mechanical clock. It is a gee-whiz, entertainment experience of shapes and color, but not an educational experience of any significant depth, unless it is combined with classroom instruction and homework.

It is pleasurable to look at, but more effective and without the sacrifice of an historic locomotive; would be intensely well-illustrated graphic displays, perhaps covering a large expanse of wall with both still and animated motion, all technically illuminated in vivid color coding. We live in an age where this is possible and makes cutting open equipment to show what is inside seem rather dated.

Perhaps this high class graphic display could be set up alongside of the actual locomotive, having like-new cosmetic restoration, and appearing ready to go to work. Then you could fire up the graphics and really overwhelm the visitors with the total significance of the historic engine without confusing it with the cleverness of the cutaway scheme.

We have been using similar presentation methods, with high definition cutaway images, to teach EMD and GE engine classes in the railroad and marine industries for a decade now. No more carrying around the images on posters any more, just project them full size with a close-to-screen system like the Epson BrightLink.

PC

A better sized "model" of a boiler cut-away could be constructed by a decent modeler with the side benefits that A) a real choo choo would not be cut up and B) the size and scale of the model would be easier to view/examine. I wonder if anybody will take on the challenge and make such a display? Anybody?

T7

One other problem not mentioned:

To make a "cutaway" that looks decent and explanatory, the cutting is only part of it. There's cleaning it up and making it "presentable." cleaning up the cuts, painting the ends of the flues, etc. Otherwise, it looks like exactly what it would be: a half-posteriored scrapping job during their lunch break.

There are way, way more then enough old junkers that stand zero chance of any restoration that would be a fantastic basis for more of these. A properly done, sectioned diesel would be pretty cool also. Museum of Transport sort of has a a former Union Pacific GE of some flavor setup like this.

As a traction person, Exporail has an excellent exhibit that demonstrates how a motor controller operates. IIRC, the controller was wired for low voltage so that the interior segments could be displayed. As you turn the controller, each circuit lights up the corresponding circuit which allows the docent to explain how the controller transmits power to the motors. Interestingly enough, the display received power from a trolley pole and wire.

Gentlemen,
Good feedback. I thank you.
A wide range of opinions, which we all have.

Took the two grandkids for a ride on the nearby restored Cloverdale Interurban car 1225.

They got to ride in the car for about an hour,
After that, Grampa took their photo's at the controls.

After that, they both got to experience the very well done simulator.
Which they loved..BTW..
(Full disclosure ...I recorded the whistle sounds in digital, for the simulation).

For my grandkids, the side by side experience worked really well.
They had watched during the train ride, as kids always do,
then sat at the real controls,
and then got to "actually" run it.
It was a memorable day for them.
And anyone else who understands th marketing implications..lol..

Here are some photos of Steamtown's 1923 Baldwin 0-6-0 #8 under steam years ago on the Penn View Mountain Railroad near Blairsville, PA.

Kevin -

Neat little switcher! Thanks for the photos.


Les

Sad loss of a functional locomotive.

She was not in the best of shape when that photo was taken, and when she was totally worn out they bought the ex Mississippian 76. That was their standard operating procedure.

Richard, I beg to differ with you; it was NOT a "functional locomotive".

If anyone doubts that sectioning this engine was a bad idea, I suggest a very careful look at the cutaway areas of the firebox and boiler. They show just how bad this boiler was and is. Consider some of the previous owners and operators of this engine, and their known record with various steam locomotives (including this one) during the 1960s-2000s.

A few years prior to the sectioning, there was a local NE PA group that was actively discussing operation of this engine in the area, and they stated, "It's in pretty good shape, it holds water." These were the days before UT inspections and Part 230. How many potential 1278 incidents do we really want to experience in our industry? Isn't safer, better?

A very highly-respected steam "guru" said of the sectioning of this engine, "It was a mercy killing."

They all can't run. But they all can contribute in one way or another.

Howard P.

Minor correction, but that would be 2707. :)

Howard, your point is taken.