Re: Rebuilding historic locos

For those wondering what they will get when the #223 is finished (if ever) I have derived the following calculation based upon comments from those involved in the restoration.
223 = new tender frame + new tender tank + new cab + most likely a new boiler + new firebox + new spring rigging + heavily modified frame + heavily modified cylinders + new tires + possibly a couple of new drive rods + new appliances (most are long gone or rusted out) + new pilot + many other new misc items. The only original parts left are tender trucks, a few bolts and tender brake rigging. In other words pretty much a new locomotive. We will dispose of the original piece by piece as patterns and end up with a replica to rot in the same spot the original did.
The really sad part is that even this may not come to pass as the locomotive has been torn apart and scattered around the museum with waning interest and even less financial support. With what has been spent to date #223 almost could have been stabilized and cosmetically restored for all to see. The museum would have gained another desperately needed completed project and the historic nature of the beast would have been left intact. Remember that when the Grant boiler is replaced and the frame is partially replaced to make necessary repairs, its remaining vestiges of Grant origin will have been obliterated.
I enjoy seeing an operating locomotive just as much as the next person, but rare gems should not be squandered for a fleeting moment in the spotlight.
Shay Stark