Personally, I wouldn't take no for an answer, when it comes to saving such a
beautiful but neglected artifact. If I lived in Sheridan, I'd develop a
well-thought-out plan for the engine's cosmetic restoration and re-present
it to whoever holds the reins. If this were still unsuccessful, I'd then go
to the media, which is usually digging for subjects of controversy. By
presenting yourselves as being more knowledgable and caring than those who
have rejected your offer of help, you can cause them slight embarrassment
and win public favor. I cannot imagine anyone in town who really prefers a
deteriorated eyesore locomotive to one that looks like it just rolled out of
the backshop.
My guess is they probably doubt your group's abilities and committment, plus
they may have concerns about your being exposed to asbestos and other
liabilities. These are all unwarranted, and with proper P.R. can be
overcome. Should you need more advice on cosmetic restoration, I'm happy to
provide whatever I know, and can put you in touch with the real experts if
need be. Cosmetic restoration of steam locomotives is not rocket science,
but is a difficult and dirty experience that will require several years of
volunteer comittment to be done properly. It involves much more than a
paint job, with much removal of corrosion and rot in some really cramped,
dark and horrid places. Doing so, however, stabilizes deterioration and
preserves the engine for the "someday" when funds might be found for an
operational restoration.
Bob Yarger, Editor
Railway Preservation News (website)
www.rypn.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Harold S. Huber Jr. <sarge912@h...>
To: BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com <BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: [BRHSlist] Re:Wyoming O5s (was Lines West)
>I live in Sheridan and will try to get down in the next few days and take
>some photos but will need help putting them in the files section. Yes, it
>is too sad that it has wasted away, Sheridan never saw an O5 and is more
>intereseted in their extinct trolley line than that engine. The guys at
the
>Sheridan Model Railroad Assn. of which 5 of us are BRHS members tried to do
>something about it, but the Rotarians said no, so our hands are tied.
>Harold
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>> How about posting some photos of the Sheridan engine?
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>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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