Re: T12s

Dougvv wrote:
"As I recall, Alamosa's T12 169 has a bad boiler that prevents it from being restored. Although others may take the valid position that the historic metal from the last boiler the loco had is untouchable, I think that seeing it operate is much better."

I agree with this statement. If the boiler of 169 is unrestorable, then why not replace it with a newly manufactured boiler? Of coarse as much of the original locomotive as possible should be used, but any locomtive restoration involves replacing original parts that are beyond repair so why should the boiler be any different? When you restore a vintage car sometimes you have to replace the engine, and not always with the original engine. To me the real question is is it worth the effort and money required to do the restoration.