Re: An academic rationale for mobile preservation, or beware: deep thought

Gavin Hamilton Wrote:
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> This "discussion" betrays a fundamental difference
> in the way such matters are seen between the old
> world and the new. Being in the old world we
> generally work on the basis that, for instance, if
> a locomotive needs a new boiler it will get a new
> boiler, ditto wheels, tanks, etc. The National
> Railway Museum has its own rules which generally
> mean major replacements are a no-no. I understand
> this position which normally applies to anything
> unique.


The "Historic Material" debate makes sense only in one context - that of "Preservation." Coke said it perfectly when mentioning the DC3 - he used the word "Renovation." Anything else is basically gut-level emotional judgement (like sex, politics and abortion) - folks don't even agree on the definitions, so they'll never agree on the conclusion.

With all due respect to Keith's posting, there IS no debate and no need for convoluted justifications - only a misuse / misunderstanding of terms or fetishizing of the word "Preservation." People somehow get the impression that the Secretary's Guidelines for Preservation (see below) apply to projects that aren't "Preservation" - they don't, that's why they're called Guidelines for Preservation - or that "Preservation" is the ideal, exalted state for ALL "artifacts."

Nothing could be further from the truth. Just because John Q. Railfan "loves" a particular steam locomotive or old boxcar, that doesn't make it a "priceless, historic artifact." Operating a steam locomotive is good - and "preserving" other, non-operating locomotives is good, too.

By definition DRHF isn't engaged in "Preservation" - it chose to Renovate 315, and good on 'em. Much good will come of it in the ways JBW and Keith describe. So any discussion of preserving "historic fabric" is a misapplied standard.

On the other hand, CSRM does engage in Preservation and Restoration (as defined by the Secretary of the Interior). And good on 'em - future generations can study the "artifacts" there long after the 480s have new boilers, frame patches, etc. Everyone wins.

In other words, people who worry about consuming "historic fabric" on an operating steam locomotive should either buy the locomotive and park it, or stop worrying about it

JAC





The Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Preservation:

Quote

1. A property will be used as it was historically, or be given a new use that maximizes the retention of distinctive materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships. Where a treatment and use have not been identified, a property will be protected and, if necessary, stabilized until additional work may be undertaken.


2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The replacement of intact or repairable historic materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Work needed to stabilize, consolidate, and conserve existing historic materials and features will be physically and visually compatible, identifiable upon close inspection, and properly documented for future research.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. The existing condition of historic features will be evaluated to determine the appropriate level of intervention needed. Where the severity of deterioration requires repair or limited replacement of a distinctive feature, the new material will match the old in composition, design, color, and texture.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.