As one heavily (pun intended) involved in steam locomotive preservation /
restoration I can say with certainty that the statements by Bob Yarger are 100%
correct. DO NOT ATTEMPT to deal with asbestos unless you are certified as an
abatement specialist, the law is very unforgiving in this area. Also, protect
all appliances from those who use the "gas wrench" too often. Once damaged an
appliance (water pump, power reverse, injector, dynamo, etc.) may be forever
unusable.
Removal of items that interfere with jacket removal can be accomplished by
anyone as long as NO asbestos fibers are liberated and become airborne. Often,
the restoration crew must wait for the abatement contractor to stabilize an
area to allow further parts removal. Likewise, the contractor will be forced to
wait while the crew removes a particular part to allow access to more
insulation. A thorough understanding of the work to be performed must be
reached by the contractor and the restoration crew before starting the job.
The crew will need some heavy duty lifting devices, a good selection of large
(LARGE) hand tools and compressed air, hopefully to power a BIG impact wrench.
Most of this work will take place within the cocoon that must be erected to
contain the "A" fibers. Additionally, once the material on the engine has been
dealt with the engine will need to be rolled out of the enclosure in order that
the material which has fallen to the ground may be COMPLETELY removed. This,
obviously, will require enough additional track to move the engine out of the
cocoon.
Another sad note is struck by the cities and towns themselves. While no one
seems to care about the engine at all, just try to "step in" and make
suggestions concerning its condition or, worse yet, try to take it away. WOW!!
EVERYBODY is suddenly "in love" with the dilapidated creature and "ain't NOBODY
gonna take OUR engine away !!!!"
Before any plan to preserve a locomotive can be implemented a thorough study of
town politics must be undertaken so as to better understand the climate in
which one must operate.
More, if desired.
Karl
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