Hi,
In my opinion, the case of the steam locomotive is similar to the USS Constitution, the oldest US oldest commissioned warship still in the fleet.
From Wikipedia:
"USS Constitution, known as "Old Ironsides," is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named after the United States Constitution, she is the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world. Constitution was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and was launched in 1797. Joshua Humphreys designed them to be the Navy's capital ships and so Constitution and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of the period.
The modern day role of "Old Ironsides" is that of "ship of state". The crew of 55 sailors participates in ceremonies, educational programs and special events (including sail drill) while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round and providing free tours. The crew are all active-duty sailors in the Navy and the assignment is considered a special duty. Traditionally, the duty of captain of the vessel is assigned to an active duty Navy commander."
It is to show how sailing ships worked. It probably does not have a stitch of the original wood.
It is the experience of seeing a sailing ship working that is important. This is my basic belief for railroad equipment.
The C&TS has several K36's and K37's. It is possible to stuff and mount one of each class right now. 483 has not operated in a long time and any one of 492, 494, 495, or 497 can be chosen for static display.
If one of each is stuffed and mounted, then I would like to see them in a building fully protected where people can enter and view them.
'nuff said.
Doug vV
