Re: Boiler and Superheater Parts Question

I have a history of the Baldwin Locomotive Works and it discusses how this matter evolved over the years. Baldwin tried to use as many standardized parts as possible, but when RRs insisted on their own designs, the patterns and diagrams for making the parts were also kept. A large inventory did not seem to be used because it was possible to manufacture on demand what was needed. Many parts could be shipped out the same nor next day after a request was received.
I recall that when the Glover Loco Works was being examined after closing that a huge inventory of wood casting patterns was discovered in one of the storage buildings indicating that they followed a similar practice.
Bill