Re: Use it or loose it ...

John & John, et al -

IMHO, If something is REALLY rare - only one of its kind in existence - it should probably be carefully stuffed and mounted in a prominent, very safe place, with as much interpretation as possible available.

In the case of the K-36 and K-37 engines, there are enough of them around that one or two could be stuffed and mounted temporarily while others are being run, and maybe someday the dead can be resuscitated when one of the living wears out. The K-27s, K-28s and rotaries are more problematic. The major parts of the engines are pretty sturdy, and they can certainly be run for at least a few more years without making eventual museum display impossible. If too many parts need replacing, build an accurate replica instead, and preserve the original for interpretation before it becomes another example of "Abe Lincoln's axe".

In the case of the rotaries, I'd say restore the sturdier one for operation and the other for an interpretive display, hopefully with a roof over it that doesn't preclude photography. Nothing of this significance should be left to rust and rot in an unprotected yard.

Again, just a stinky old curmudgeon's two (s)cents worth.

- Russ

(See [ngdiscussion.net])



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/2009 05:58PM by Russo Loco.